Commonwealth games 2022 irish sprinter leon reid denied entry security risk assessment 20220714 p5j0a5.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
Watch Live
Premier League on StanrightArrow
This was published 4 years ago

Irish sprinter Leon Reid denied entry to 2022 Commonwealth Games

CNN

Powered by

Irish sprinter Leon Reid has been barred from participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games following a "security risk assessment," according to a statement from the Commonwealth Games provided to CNN affiliate CNN-News18.

The Olympic semi-finalist was given a suspended sentence in February after he was found guilty of allowing crack cocaine to be produced in his flat in the city of Bristol in southwest England​, according to CNN-News18. ​

AS IT HAPPENED: Re-live State of Origin 2022 game three

Advertisement

PLAYER RATINGS: Remarkable captain's knock lost in Blues loss

READ MORE: Kalyn Ponga brilliance steals back Origin shield for Queensland

​Last week, the 27-year-old Reid was named in ​Northern Ireland's 2022 Commonwealth Games roster for the 200m men's event scheduled for August, according to Athletics Northern Ireland. In May, Northern Ireland's athletics governing body had said Reid would be appraised for selection despite his conviction, CNN-News18 reported.

Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland said it is "seeking clarity" about a possible appeal to the decision.

"(We are) disappointed to confirm that track athlete Leon Reid has been denied entry to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games following a security risk assessment. Leon had been selected by CGNI and had been entered into the 200m event prior to the 29th of June deadline," Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland said in a statement, according to CNN-News18.

Ireland's Leon Reid after the Mens 200m Semi Final during the Athletics at the Olympic Stadium on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Picture date: Tuesday August 3, 2021. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images

"Notification was subsequently received from the Birmingham 2022 organising committee that he would not be allowed to participate. Commonwealth Games NI is currently seeking clarity on any potential appeal mechanism, and the athlete has been offered well-being support as he deals with this news," the statement added.

Advertisement

CNN has reached out to representatives for Reid, Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Games Federation for comment.

"As with any major event, delivering a safe and secure experience for all involved requires stringent checks and balances being put in place and adhered to," Birmingham 2022 tournament organisers said in a statement to CNN.

"Birmingham 2022 has worked closely with the National Accreditation Team to vet and check all delegate attendees that are planning to attend the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Under this nationally recognised guidance, we made clear the parameters and details of checks that would be carried out on all attending individuals. This information was made clear to all teams and Commonwealth Games Associations well in advance of team selections," the statement added.

Reid made his debut at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, according to his University of Bath biography.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Four years later, he made history when he claimed bronze in the men's 200m final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, when he became the first Northern Irish athlete to win an international track and field medal in 28 years, the Olympics website said.

State of Origin III 2022 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons series decider

<p>A concussed Selwyn Cobbo is protected by teammate Dane Gagai as a scuffle erupts around them.</p><p>Cobbo was subsequently stretchered after his head collided heavily with the hip of fellow Maroon Patrick Carrigan.</p><p>&quot;This young man, he&#x27;s in Disneyland,&quot; said Andrew Johns on commentary as the two teams came together.</p><p>Cameron Smith described it as &#x27;all out warfare&#x27; as the game was stopped for several minutes to allow for Cobbo to be safely removed.</p>

State of Origin III 2022 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons series decider

Most viewed in Sport

More to explore