Reece Prescod accuses UK Athletics of ’emotional blackmail’ after relay withdrawal

British sprinter Reece Prescod has accused UK Athletics of “emotional blackmail” after he pulled out of the relay squad on the World Championships.

He mentioned he pulled out due to an damage in relay coaching three weeks in the past however was instructed his popularity could be ruined if he did so.

“It simply wasn’t a pleasant surroundings to be in,” the 27-year-old mentioned.

“I had just a few completely different conferences on events and it form of felt a little bit bit like emotional blackmail.

“They weren’t very good and I used to be a bit upset about a few of the conversations.”

Prescod was a part of the GB relay squad that received 4x100m bronze on the World Championships in Eugene final 12 months.

He says he was instructed he wouldn’t be a part of the relay set-up in January, solely to be requested to return in July.

European silver medallist Prescod ran 10.14 seconds within the heats of the 100m on Saturday to qualify for the semi-finals.

“I used to be form of like ‘I do not wish to let down the nation’ and [UK Athletics] had been like ‘you recognize your popularity goes to be ruined when you do that,” Prescod instructed the Press Affiliation (PA).

“It has been fairly arduous, coping with all of the press and all of the negativity. I’ve felt fairly remoted at these championships if I am being sincere. I’ve felt fairly distant from the crew.

“However I’ve simply needed to say ‘you recognize what Reece, simply get so far as you may in these championships and afterwards sit down with [UKA technical director Stephen Maguire].”

He added: “There was a number of stress from the federation. It isn’t that I did not wish to be a part of the crew. I like the boys however I did not wish to threat hurting myself.”

Zharnel Hughes, Jona Efoloko, Adam Gemili, Jeremiah Azu and Eugene Amo-Dadzie stay a part of the squad.

UK Athletics declined to remark to PA. BBC Sport has additionally method UK Athletics for remark.