USA Taekwondo has relieved head coach Gareth Brown of his duties pending a US Center for SafeSport investigation ©USA Taekwondo

USA Taekwondo has announced that its national team head coach Gareth Brown has been relieved of his duties with the United States national team pending the results of a US Center for SafeSport investigation.

The statement came in response to the news that the US Center for SafeSport had issued a temporary suspension against Brown while it carried out an investigation into allegations recently made against him.

The Briton has a reputation as one of the best coaches in the world and joined USA Taekwondo in 2017 after being part of the successful GB Taekwondo set-up.

USA Taekwondo has a goal of its athletes "dominating" in time for their home Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Briton Gareth Brown, head coach at USA Taekwondo, has been relieved of his duties pending the results of an investigation by the US Center for SafeSport ©Facebook
Briton Gareth Brown, head coach at USA Taekwondo, has been relieved of his duties pending the results of an investigation by the US Center for SafeSport ©Facebook

There are positive signs for the future after Anastasija Zolotic won Olympic gold aged 19 at Tokyo 2020.

At last year's World Championships in Guadalajara in Mexico, 18-year-old Makayla Greenwood topped the podium. 

"It is important to note, as with any SafeSport action, a temporary suspension includes no assumption of guilt and facilitates a safe and fair investigation process for all,” the USA Taekwondo statement added.

"USA Taekwondo respects the confidentiality of the SafeSport process to protect all involved and will be issuing no further comment until the matter is concluded."