- Athletics Australia has addressed allegations against top coach
- Allegations have been leveled against pole vault coach Alex Parnov
- Olympic athlete Nina Kennedy is an athlete who has spoken out
Athletics Australia wants to hear from other potential victims as allegations of inappropriate behavior by a senior coach emerge.
The governing body’s chief executive, Simon Hollingsworth, issued a statement on Saturday saying he “recognises the very disturbing reports about Alex Parnov’s conduct during his time as pole vault coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sports… between 1998 and 2019”.
State Police confirmed they are working with the institute and Sport Integrity Australia and “can confirm that matters relating to possible criminal conduct have been reported to WA Police for an independent assessment”.
Olympic gold medalist Nina Kennedy is among the athletes who spoke to The Australian about Parnov’s “harmful conduct” while she was coached by him.
Numerous complaints from athletes led to an investigation in 2019, which resulted in the institute terminating Russian-born Parnov’s contract.
“The reports identify patterns of behavior that are totally unacceptable and deeply distressing, and we deeply regret the harm 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 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 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 had not responded to questions.
Police investigations continue.
“Given the sensitive nature of this matter with respect to potential victims, WA Police will not be providing any details on specific matters raised, nor confirmation of any potential investigation that may have commenced,” the statement read.
Parnov worked for the institute between 1998 and 2019.
The sports organization has been criticized for not acting firmly enough when complaints were made years before an investigation was launched in 2019.
“Upon being informed of the findings of the WAIS investigation in 2019, Athletics Australia revoked Mr Parnov’s coaching accreditation and imposed a lifetime ban on obtaining a new accreditation, ensuring he would no longer be able to participate in sport in Australia,” Hollingsworth said.
Numerous complaints from 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, the AA issued clear directives to prevent his involvement in any athletics-related activities both in Australia and overseas.”
Hollingsworth said his organization will conduct a review of Parnov’s period of coaching both at the institute and with various Australian teams overseas.
“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 complaints about his behavior were handled,” he said.