UK Sport has said it is aware of reported threats towards a senior figure in an Olympic sport and is offering support.
The Daily Mail reported that the British performance director of a leading Olympic sport has received threats to himself and his family before the Rio Games in August.
UK Sport, which funds Olympic and Paralympic sport, is offering assistance to the individual and the national governing body of the sport. The identities of both are being withheld for reasons of confidentiality.
It is alleged by the newspaper that threatening communication has been sent to the individual in what is understood to be an isolated case.
A UK Sport statement said: “UK Sport is aware of an issue relating to concerns raised by a member of athlete support personnel and has ensured that the individual is being supported through this.
“UK Sport regards the welfare of World Class Programme athletes and support personnel of paramount importance.
“We recognise that high-performance sport can be a pressurised and demanding environment particularly in the build-up to an Olympic and Paralympic Games. That is why we offer a range of tailored services including mentoring, access to expert clinicians and peer support.”
