Sprinter Leon Reid has been barred from competing in this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham after a "security risk assessment" by the games' organisers.
Reid represented Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics and made the semifinals in the 200m sprint. The 2018 Commonwealth games medallist has a criminal record after being found guilty of allowing his flat in the UK to be used for criminal activity. Reid denied the charges, but was found guilty and received a suspended sentence earlier this year.
Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland released a statement saying:
"Leon had been selected by CGNI and had been entered into the 200m event prior to the 29 June deadline."
"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."
In the last Commonwealth Games, Leon Reid won Northern Ireland's first athletics medal in 38 years after winning bronze in the 200 metre sprint.
Back in 2018, the same year he won his Commonwealth Games medal, Reid did the 100 metre and 200 metre double at the Irish nationals in the colours of Wexford's Menapians AC.
8 August 2018; Leon Reid of Ireland after competing in the Men's 200m Semi-Final during Day 2 of the 2018 European Athletics Championships at The Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Leon Reid interview
Speaking exclusively to Balls.ie back in 2018, Reid spoke about the difficulties he faced in his youth, with many members of his family troubled by drugs and violence.
"Their life is like getting arrested, fighting, drugs, selling drugs. I can’t have that going on. So yeah, I stay away, just so you don't get roped in and connected.
"It’s not that I’m embarrassed or anything, it’s just different worlds."
SEE ALSO: Euro 2022: Riise Blasts 'Pathetic' Norway After Humiliating Defeat To England
