Lack of leadership blamed for poor Australian athletics performance at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

An independent review commissioned by Athletics Australia has blamed a lack of leadership for its troubled campaign at this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Australia's track-and-field performance was marred by a falling out between head coach Eric Hollingsworth and athlete Sally Pearson, which led to Hollingsworth's suspension and later resignation.

Released today (8th December) the review of the campaign and found there were governance problems at various levels of the organisation.

Review Chair Chris Wardlaw said The Glasgow 2014 Campaign Review was put together after consultation with "a wide range of track and field stakeholders".

He stated "I am sure that the Athletics Australia Board of Directors will consider the recommendations of the report and utilise our findings in developing a framework for structures and processes moving forward."

Athletics Australia President David Grace assured the findings of the report would be taken under advisement by the board, but any action taken will depend on the findings of the Buchanan Review, a separate report commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission.

Grace told the ABC "I thank Chris and his fellow members of the review panel for their work in creating this report into the campaign of the athletics section of the Commonwealth Games team

"It has been a far-reaching undertaking that is greatly appreciated by myself, other directors and the wider athletics community.

"The Board of Directors will make it a short-term priority to improve engagement and communication between us at Athletics Australia and our many important stakeholders, including athletes and coaches.

"Any findings and recommendations that are longer term in nature, however, will need to be considered alongside those still to be published in the Buchanan Review, as is appropriate.

"Together the combined recommendations of both reports will provide an important foundation and blueprint for strong decision making on the direction and focus of Athletics Australia for the foreseeable future."

The Buchanan Review is expected to be released early next year.

Image shows Australian Pole Vault Gold medallist Alana Boyd at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Image courtesy of Australian Commonwealth Games Association.

6th December 2014 - PHIL JONES NAMED ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

5th August 2014 - SPORTS MINISTER CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH GAMES ATHLETES

24th July 2014 - AUSSIES IN GREEN AND GOLD STIR NATIONAL PRIDE

28th June 2014 - AUSTRALIA AIMS TO RETAIN COMMONWEALTH GAMES TOP SPOT WITH AIS FUNDING