- Athletics Australia has addressed the allegations against the top coach
- Allegations have been made against pole vault coach Alex Parnov
- Olympian Nina Kennedy is an athlete who has spoken out
Athletics Australia is keen to hear from other potential victims as allegations of inappropriate behavior by a senior coach surface.
The governing body’s chief executive, Simon Hollingsworth, released a statement on Saturday saying it “acknowledges the deeply concerning reports surrounding the conduct of Alex Parnov during his time as pole vault coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport… between 1998 and 2019”.
State Police confirmed it is working with the institute and Sport Integrity Australia and “can confirm that matters relating to possible criminal conduct have been brought to the attention of WA Police for independent review”.
Olympic gold medalist Nina Kennedy is among the athletes who spoke to The Australian about Parnov’s “harmful behavior” while she was coached by him.
Numerous complaints from athletes led to an investigation in 2019, which led to the institute terminating the Russian-born Parnov’s contract.
“The reports identify patterns of behavior that are completely unacceptable and deeply disturbing, and we are deeply sorry for the harm they have caused to athletes and staff,” Hollingsworth said.
Athletics Australia has made the allegations against Alex Parnov (pictured), one of the country’s top coaches
Olympic gold medalist Nina Kennedy (pictured) is among the athletes who spoke to The Australian about Parnov’s ‘harmful behaviour’
‘We support those who have spoken out and encourage others who may have experienced unacceptable behavior 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 has not responded to questions.
The police investigation continues.
“Given the sensitive nature of this case involving potential victims, WA Police will not provide details of specific matters raised nor confirm any investigations that may have been initiated,” the statement said.
Parnov worked for the institute between 1998 and 2019.
The sports body has been criticized for not taking strong enough action when complaints were made years before an investigation was launched in 2019.
‘When Athletics Australia was made aware of the findings of the WAIS investigation in 2019, it revoked Mr Parnov’s coaching accreditation and imposed a lifetime ban from obtaining re-accreditation, preventing him from being involved in the sport in Australia,” Hollingsworth said.
Numerous complaints from athletes led to an investigation in 2019, which led to the institute terminating the contract of Russian-born Parnov (Parnov pictured with Steve Hooker)
“In subsequent years, clear guidelines were issued by AA to prevent his participation in athletics-related activities, both in Australia and abroad.”
Hollingsworth said his organization will conduct a review into Parnov’s time coaching at both the institute and several Australian teams abroad.
“Athletics Australia has asked Sport Integrity Australia to support a review of how Athletics Australia acted during Mr Parnov’s period of coaching in our sport, including how any complaints about his conduct were managed,” he said.