Athletics Coach Convicted of Sexual Assault Against Students in Colombia
- A former athletics coach has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault, marking a disturbing pattern of abuse within sports and raising serious questions about safeguarding practices.
- The court determined that Vega exploited his position of authority as a coach to commit the abuses, leveraging the trust placed in him by young athletes.
- The case highlights a growing concern regarding the vulnerability of young athletes to abuse by those in positions of power.
A former athletics coach has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault, marking a disturbing pattern of abuse within sports and raising serious questions about safeguarding practices. Giovanny Vega, formerly of the Liga Santandereana de Atletismo (Colombian Athletics League), was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault and violent sexual acts against several of his female students on , according to reports from Vanguardia.
The court determined that Vega exploited his position of authority as a coach to commit the abuses, leveraging the trust placed in him by young athletes. Victims were between 15 and 17 years old at the time of the offenses, which reportedly occurred at training facilities, including the Luis Enrique Figueroa stadium in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
The case highlights a growing concern regarding the vulnerability of young athletes to abuse by those in positions of power. Similar incidents have recently come to light across various sports and countries, including the United States. In September 2025, Jeffrey Brent Martin, a former high school coach in Texas, was convicted of sexual assault of a student (Bluebonnet News). More recently, in Palm Beach County, Florida, 18-year-old tennis coach Cemal Kaya was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 6-year-old student (Abuse Guardian). These cases, along with others involving a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor Andre Galvao (MMA Mania), an Orange County basketball coach (Easton & Easton), and a former Ripon High School coach (NBC26), underscore a systemic issue requiring urgent attention.
Following the verdict, the judge ordered a medical evaluation of Vega to determine whether he will serve his sentence in a correctional facility or under house arrest. The length of the sentence and any potential financial penalties are still to be determined.
The investigation, led by the Fiscalía General de la Nación (Colombian Attorney General’s Office), began in 2022 after multiple complaints were filed by parents and league officials. Testimony revealed a pattern of abuse, with victims alleging not only sexual assault but also intimidation and emotional abuse. One victim recounted instances of being touched inappropriately during treatment for muscle injuries in a secluded area of the training facility. Other athletes testified to witnessing the abuse but remaining silent out of fear of retribution.
The Federación de Atletismo (Colombian Athletics Federation) had previously opened a disciplinary process against Vega, but the criminal investigation took precedence. The outcome of the federation’s internal review remains unclear.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that coaches and athletic organizations have to protect young athletes. The abuse of power dynamics within sports can create environments where predators thrive, and the long-term consequences for victims can be devastating. The Colombian Attorney General’s Office emphasized the importance of reporting any suspected abuse and providing support to survivors.
The conviction of Giovanny Vega is a significant step towards accountability, but it also highlights the need for comprehensive safeguarding measures within sports organizations worldwide. These measures should include mandatory background checks for coaches, clear reporting procedures for abuse, and education for athletes, parents, and coaches on recognizing and preventing abuse.