Speed Skating Canada has fired the head coach of Canada’s long-track speed skating team.
Michael Crowe went on a leave of absence a month before the Pyeongchang Olympics while the organization conducted an internal investigation into alleged relationships he had with skaters while he was a coach with the U.S. team.
Crowe did not accompany the Canadian team to South Korea.
READ MORE: Speed Skating Canada confirms independent investigation underway into alleged actions of coach
The 64-year-old from Butte, Mt., was a coach with the U.S. national team from 1983 to 1991 and again from 1999 to 2006 before joining the Canadian team.
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“Following a review of the investigation completed in mid-March, Speed Skating Canada has made the decision to part ways with Mr. Crowe,” Speed Skating Canada said Friday in a statement.
“Given confidentiality obligations, no further details will be provided on this matter.
“Our athletes, coaches, office staff and volunteers deserve and expect to train and compete in an atmosphere of security, respect and professionalism, sustaining the reputation of Speed Skating Canada. The management of Speed Skating Canada is committed to moving forward and rebuilding trust with its membership and community through open communication and responsive policies.”
Crowe began working with the Canadian team based at the Olympic Oval in Calgary in 2007. He was promoted to head coach in 2015.
Former American speed skaters claimed in January that Crowe had sexual relationships with some skaters.
Watch below: In January 2018, Reid Fiest filed this report on Speed Skating Canada’s investigation into the actions of its head coach, Michael Crowe.
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