Athletics Australia responds to ‘deeply distressing’ allegations
Athletics Australia has addressed the “unacceptable, distressing” allegations against the prominent coach in a fresh twist to the scandal.
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Athletics Australia has responded to the “totally unacceptable and deeply distressing” allegations that have been levelled against one of the country’s top coaches.
An investigation by The Australian uncovered alleged inappropriate behaviour by pole vault coach Alex Parnov during his two decades working at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS).
It has been alleged that Parnov preyed on some of Australia’s best young female athletes and his inappropriate behaviour was kept secret by the WAIS for more than a decade.
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Seven female athletes spoke to The Australian, revealing the alleged inappropriate behaviour they claim to have suffered while being guided by the famed Olympic pole vault coach.
The newspaper’s two-month investigation uncovered texts, emails, documents and video to expose Parnov’s alleged actions and WAIS’s failure to act.
Olympic champions Nina Kennedy and Steve Hooker have also spoken out about the culture of “harm” and abuse and sporting authorities’ lack of response.
Both superstar athletes called for change, with Kennedy stating the “win-at-all-costs mentality, deeply embedded in sporting culture, must end”.
Athletics Australia chief executive Simon Hollingsworth has now released a statement on Saturday acknowledging the report and expressing deep remorse over the sport’s inaction during the period in question.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 well-being 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.”
Kennedy, 27, claimed gold at this year’s Paris Games and a shared gold medal with American Katie Moon at the 2023 World Championships.
When contacted by The Australian, Kennedy — who was allegedly targeted by Parnov — made a powerful statement urging “positive change” to protect athletes in Australia and internationally.
Kennedy made complaints to the WAIS and says a 2019 investigation into Parnov did not bring to light “the seriousness of the alleged misconduct”.
She added that the “repercussions post-investigation” did not accurately match “the severity of the allegations”.
“Athletes deserve to feel safe and supported; however, I believe the organisations responsible for safeguarding us failed to protect myself and others,” Kennedy wrote in a statement to the paper about the allegations.
“I don’t believe the outcome of the 2019 investigation truly represented or brought to light the seriousness of the alleged misconduct.
“I also don’t believe the repercussions post-investigation delivered by WAIS accurately matched the severity of the allegations and findings.
“I’ve been fighting this battle behind closed doors, in my own way, while trying to reach and succeed at the pinnacle of my sport.
“This story has weighed on my shoulders for many years.”
Kennedy added the heartbreaking belief she could only fulfil her potential once her former coach resigned.
Athletics Australia’s statement said Parnov had been sacked and banned for life after learning of the allegations back in 2019, “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,” continued Hollingsworth, who competed in the 400m hurdles at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“We will continue to work with athletes and coaches, Sport Integrity Australia and Institutes of Sport to ensure that athletes are protected from harm.
“For those impacted, we offer our unwavering support. Confidential support services are available through Athletics Australia and the Mental Health Referral Network.”
Originally published as Athletics Australia responds to ‘deeply distressing’ allegations
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