Sprinter Sam Blaskowski Dropped by Training Group Over Racist Social Posts
American sprinter Sam Blaskowski has parted ways with his training group after racist videos and posts from his high school years resurfaced online.
American sprinter Sam Blaskowski, who made headlines earlier this year by running the 100 meters in 9.89 seconds, is now facing a major controversy following the resurgence of old racist videos and social media posts.
The materials, filmed and published about seven years ago during his high school years, recently resurfaced on social networks. In one video, Blaskowski repeatedly used a racial slur, while another post featured a racist joke about Black people and swimming. Blaskowski has confirmed that the materials are his.
Following the backlash, he parted ways with Star Athletics, one of the premier sprint training groups in the United States, where he trained under Dennis Mitchell alongside stars like Sha'Carri Richardson, Kenny Bednarek, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. The group stated that it does not tolerate "racism, discrimination, or bullying of any kind" and that, following an internal review, it was decided Blaskowski would leave.
Blaskowski issued a lengthy apology, stating: "There is no excuse to use language like that, ever. I take full responsibility for what I said and want to sincerely apologize. I am embarrassed and ashamed of myself." He added that his values today are different from those he held as a teenager and that he has learned much more about racism, prejudice, and the responsibilities of a public platform over the years.
