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Justin Gatlin’s coach steps down as U.S. relay coach

Three-time Olympic medalist Dennis Mitchell resigned as a USA Track and Field relays coach due to a new rule that prohibits the coach of an athlete likely to be part of the relay pool from coaching a relay, according to USA Track and Field.

“I do not want to start a controversy,” Mitchell said, according to Reuters, which first reported the news. “I just want to thank USA Track and Field, the U.S. Olympic Committee and everybody for their support.

“I would do it again if they asked me to.”

Mitchell coaches sprinters including Justin Gatlin, the reigning World Championships silver medalist in the 100m and 200m and likely member of the Olympic 4x100m relay pool.