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An experienced member of police will conduct an additional review into the Australian athletics scandal involving former coach Alex Parnov.
Australian golden girl Nina Kennedy is at the heart of a disturbing scandal that has rocked Australian athletics as allegations of inappropriate behavior by former pole vault coach Alex Parnov surface.
Parnov is accused of preying on young female athletes during his tenure at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS).
In a bombshell report by The Australian, it was revealed that Parnov’s misconduct was allegedly hidden by WAIS for over a decade.
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The claims, supported by a two-month investigation, are now under review by WA Police, with WAIS publicly apologizing for failing to protect athletes.
“Athletes deserve to feel safe and supported; however, I believe the organisations responsible for safeguarding us failed to protect myself and others and enabled my former coach’s harmful conduct to persist for over a decade,” Kennedy stated.
The Olympic gold medalist said the repercussions delivered by WAIS did not match the severity of the allegations and findings.
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WAIS chairman Neale Fong echoed her sentiments, admitting the organization had fallen short.
“The current board of the WAIS is appalled by the behaviour of former WAIS employee Alex Parnov and the devastating effect on athletes who were entitled to be safe in their sporting environment,” Fong said.
While WAIS had terminated Parnov’s employment in 2019 and barred him from its venues, the current administration revealed it was unaware of the full extent of the allegations until the report was published.
“The disturbing accounts published in The Australian newspaper are far more extensive than previously known,” Fong added.
Kennedy, 27, who won gold at the Paris Olympics and shared the World Championships title with American Katie Moon in 2023, has been vocal about her experience.
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She disclosed that a 2019 investigation by a private law firm into Parnov failed to uncover the seriousness of his misconduct. Furthermore, the findings were not forwarded to WA Police.
WAIS chief executive Matt Fulton admitted this was a mistake.
“We now believe the matter should have been reported to police,” Fulton told The Australian.
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The state’s Sports Minister David Templeman supported WAIS’s recent decision to respect Kennedy’s request not to reopen the case while she prepared for the Paris Olympics.
“When the review was completed, I was informed that the athlete central to the allegation did not want the matter pursued while they were actively preparing for the Paris Olympics,” Templeman said.
He confirmed that WAIS and WA Police are working together to create a direct complaints pathway for athletes.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti expressed disgust over the allegations.
"From what I’ve seen, I’m disgusted by what’s alleged to have occurred,” she said, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and better safeguards for athletes.
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Kennedy hopes her story leads to systemic change.
“I don’t believe the leadership board had the best interests of my wellbeing at heart. This story has weighed on my shoulders for many years,” she said.
Despite her ordeal, she remains focused on her career, adding, “It was only once my coach resigned that I felt like I could fulfil my potential.”
Athletics Australia confirmed Parnov’s lifetime ban from the sport following his 2019 dismissal.
Fong concluded with an apology: “The current board did not do enough to protect athletes. We deeply regret the hurt and trauma caused.”
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