By Jon Pierik
Athletics Australia has apologised to athletes affected by the alleged predatory behaviour of former Olympic pole vault coach Alex Parnov.
A report in The Weekend Australian alleges Parnov, 65, preyed on some of Australia’s young female athletes and his inappropriate behaviour was kept secret by the West Australian Institute of Sport for more than a decade.
The report alleges the Russian-born Parnov groomed, propositioned, sexually harassed and inappropriately touched multiple young female athletes in his care.
Olympic gold medallist and world champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, who allegedly endured inappropriate behaviour from Parnov over several years, was one of a number of women who detailed their concerns about Parnov, who allegedly kissed female athletes on the lips without consent, slid his hand up their legs, booked single hotel rooms on away trips and invited athletes to his room while wearing only a towel, according to The Weekend Australian report.
Pole vault coach Alex Parnov in 2007.Credit: Getty Images
Parnov was investigated by the WAIS in 2019, but the reasons for his later dismissal were not made public by the institute.
The Age reported in 2019 that Parnov had quit his post as head pole vault coach at the WAIS amid an investigation by WAIS into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the details of which were not specified.
In a statement on Saturday, AA said reports of Parnov’s alleged behaviour were “deeply disturbing”.
“Athletics Australia acknowledges the highly concerning reports about the conduct of Alex Parnov during his time as a pole vault coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) between 1998 and 2019, as well as the subsequent WAIS responses to complaints that were made,” AA said in a statement.
“The reports identify patterns of behaviour that are totally unacceptable and deeply distressing, and we are profoundly sorry for the harm that they caused to athletes and staff.
“The wellbeing and safety of all participants in our sport is paramount, and we recognise the courage of those who have come forward to share their experiences. We support those who have spoken up and encourage any others who may have experienced unacceptable behaviours to come forward and speak to us confidentially so that further action can be taken.”
WA Police confirmed on Saturday that “matters involving potential criminal conduct were brought to the attention of WA Police for independent assessment”.
“Given the sensitive nature of this matter in respect to potential victims, WA Police will not be providing any details regarding specific matters raised, or confirmation of any potential investigations that may have commenced,” a WA Police statement said.
“WA Police will continue to liaise with representatives of the group of athletes and will support any individual that makes a criminal complaint.”
The Weekend Australian also reported that Parnov was believed to be in Russia.
The Weekend Australian reported that young athlete Simone Carre, who said Parnov tried to have sex with her while she was babysitting one of his daughters, was harassed so often she tried to take her own life.
AA said Parnov’s accreditation had been revoked after the 2019 investigation.
“Upon being informed of the WAIS investigation findings in 2019, Athletics Australia revoked Mr Parnov’s coaching accreditation and imposed a lifetime ban on obtaining re-accreditation, ensuring he could no longer be involved in the sport in Australia. In subsequent years, clear directives were issued by AA to prevent his participation in any athletics-related activity both in Australia and abroad,” AA said.
“While Mr Parnov was employed by the WAIS, we acknowledge his role as a coach on various Australian teams abroad and the trust that Athletics Australia placed in him. We recognise the significance and importance of robust safeguards and collaboration across the sporting landscape to prevent such conduct from occurring, to protect athletes at every level, and to provide safe avenues to raise concerns.”
Sport Integrity Australia will review the processes AA followed in its probe of Parnov’s behaviour.
“Athletics Australia has asked Sport Integrity Australia to support a review of how Athletics Australia acted during the period Mr Parnov was coaching in our sport, including how any complaints about his behaviour were managed,” AA said.
“Athletics Australia remains committed to continuous improvement in athlete safety and wellbeing and fostering a culture of respect and safety across all areas of the sport. International sporting success and gold medals should never be a higher priority than athlete welfare.”
For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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