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Ex-Olympian Turned Private Track Coach Accused of Molesting Teen Athletes

A former Olympian and longtime track coach in Los Angeles was arrested Wednesday on charges of sexually battering a former athlete, authorities said.

Conrad Avondale Mainwaring, 67, worked for years as a private track coach in the West Los Angeles area at various tracks around Southern California. Police say Mainwaring allegedly sexually battered a male athlete "under the guise of physical therapy and mental focus training."

The one-time Olympic athlete represented Antigua during the 1976 Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles. He went on to use his credentials to establish his career as a track coach. According to an investigation by ESPN's Outside the Lines, allegations against Mainwaring date back to the mid-70s all the way up to 2016. Some of his victims were teenagers at the time of the molestation, with the youngest accuser 14-years-old. At least 31 men have come forward with similar stories of Mainwaring using his Olympic fame to persuade boys and young men to train with him.

The victims also claim that Mainwaring would tell them that controlling their erections would allow them to improve their athletic performance and affect their testosterone levels.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed a sexual battery charge against the former Olympian and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Mainwaring is currently being held on $1 million bail, according to sheriff's inmate records.

Anyone with information about additional suspects involving Mainwaring is being urged to come forward and contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (213) 486-6910.

Photo: Los Angeles Police Department