Powerlifting Australia Chief Executive steps down while commencing legal action against sex harassment accuser

Robert Wilks, Chief Executive of Powerlifting Australia has this week voluntarily stood down from his role after The Sunday Age published a story detailing defamation action he initiated against 22-year-old international student and athlete Dori Qu.

Wilks, the head of the national body for powerlifters stood down after it was reported he is suing a student athlete who accused him of sexual harassment at Melbourne University’s weightlifting club where he was, until recently, he was volunteer head coach.

Wilks denies any wrongdoing, releasing a statement telling members of the sporting community that he would be vindicated.

Qu is being sued for defamation after she sent an email to two people at Powerlifting Australia accusing the coach of pressuring her into sexual acts earlier this year.

According to court documents, she wrote “I plead that you’ll hear me and believe me. I am willing to talk to you in person and provide more information.”

She is also being sued over text messages to two other female club members warning them about Wilks’ behaviour towards “petite young Asian girls”.

As reported by The Sunday Age, two days after Qu made her complaint on 5th July, Wilks’ lawyer sent her a letter warning her of potential court action.

A defamation writ was filed in the County Court on 15th July.

Following Qu’s allegation he was suspended him from his voluntary position at the Melbourne University Weightlifting & Powerlifting Club.

Wilks’ decision to step down came after at least a dozen affiliated gyms and lifting clubs across the country cut ties with Powerlifting Australia after the court action became public.

Powerlifting Australia faced a wave of criticism on social media, as lifters expressed disquiet over how the complaint was handled and whether the sport was a safe space for women.

In a statement posted on social media, Powerlifting Australia said Wilks’ stepping down was due to “a recent membership protection complaint”.

The statement added “Powerlifting Australia will be following its membership protection policy and an external investigation is under way.

“We here at Powerlifting Australia strive to create a safe and fair community for all our members and due process will be followed to ensure all parties’ rights are safeguarded.”

Wilks subsequently issued a separate personal statement to Powerlifting Australia members maintaining his innocence, claiming his legal pursuit would “undoubtedly produce a vindication” of himself.

Wilks has been an influential figure in powerlifting for decades - having been a coach and administrator for more than 40 years - and invented the method by which powerlifting competitions are judged.

The Wilks Score (also known as Wilks Coefficient) measures strength in powerlifting against other powerlifters with different bodyweights across both genders.

IOC investigates International Weightlifting Federation
In the wake of the Tokyo Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is investigating the International Weightlifting Federation, warning that failure to improve its doping culture and governance, will result in a suspension from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the final meeting of the IOC in Tokyo, a vote supported the IOC Executive in being able to suspend any international sporting code from the games that may “tarnish the reputation of the Olympic Movement.”

Reports say that the IOC has been unhappy with the IWF functioning, warning them last year they would be removed from future Olympics unless wide-ranging reforms, including rigorous drug testing, were introduced to the sport.

IOC Vice President, John Coates, has suggested that the sport has been unable to repair its conduct since, as he advised “they have been given very specific recommendations that have not been followed.”

Coates indicated that the IWF could be suspended before the Paris Olympics, with the possibility of returning for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Image: Robert Wilks. Credit: Powerlifting Australia