Athletics Australia wants to hear from any other potential victims as allegations surface of inappropriate behaviour by a senior coach.
The governing body’s CEO Simon Hollingsworth on Saturday released a statement to say it ‘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 … between 1998 and 2019’.
The state’s police force confirmed it is working with the institute and Sport Integrity Australia and ‘can confirm that matters involving potential criminal conduct were brought to the attention of WA Police for independent assessment’.
Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy is among the athletes who spoke to The Australian about Parnov’s ‘harmful conduct’ while she was coached by him.
Numerous complaints by athletes led to an investigation in 2019, which resulted in the institute terminating Russian-born Parnov’s contract.
‘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,’ Hollingsworth said.
Athletics Australia has addressed allegations against Alex Parnov (pictured), one of the country’s top coaches
Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy (pictured) is among the athletes who spoke to The Australian about Parnov’s ‘harmful conduct’
‘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.’
The Australian reported that Parnov is believed to be in Russia and had not responded to questions.
Police investigations continue.
‘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,’ the statement read.
Parnov worked for the institute between 1998 and 2019.
The sporting organisation has been criticised for not acting strongly enough when complaints were made years before an investigation was launched in 2019.
‘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,’ Hollingsworth said.
Numerous complaints by athletes led to an investigation in 2019, which resulted in the institute terminating Russian-born Parnov’s contract (Parnov pictured with Steve Hooker)
‘In subsequent years, clear directives were issued by AA to prevent his participation in any athletics-related activity both in Australia and abroad.’
Hollingsworth said his organisation will conduct a review into the period Parnov was coaching at both the institute and with various Australian teams abroad
‘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,’ he said.
