Western Australian Police set up helpline for pole vault athletes impacted complaints about coach Alex Parnov

The Western Australian Police Force and Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) are establishing a dedicated complaints pathway for athletes victimised by the alleged predatory behaviour of former Olympic pole vault coach Alex Parnov.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman revealed that WAIS was writing to all former athletes coached by the 65-year-old Russian-born coach to alert them of the hotline.

A report in The Weekend Australian alleged Parnov preyed on some of Australia’s young female athletes and his inappropriate behaviour was kept secret by WAIS for more than a decade.

The report alleged Parnov groomed, propositioned, sexually harassed and inappropriately touched multiple young female athletes in his care including Paris Olympic Gold Medallist and world champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy.

Minister Templeman said he was first made aware of allegations about Parnov’s inappropriate conduct in November 2023 after the first meeting of WAIS’ new board.

Following the reports, Templeman called for a meeting with WAIS Chair Neale Fong and Chief Executive Matt Fulton on Monday.

Templeman advised “the new board immediately instigated a review of the handling of the Parnov case and contracted an inspector of WA Police to carry out a review,” Templeman said.

“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. I supported the board and CEO in their decision to respect the athlete’s wishes.

“Following the publication of detailed allegations on Friday, I requested a further briefing with (Fong) and (Fulton) to inform me of the steps taken since they became aware of the allegations in November 2023.”

Templeman said he was informed about the dedicated complaints pathway and was confident WAIS had the appropriate processes and policies in place to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Kennedy allegedly endured inappropriate behaviour from Parnov over several years, and was one of a number of women who detailed their concerns about Parnov, who allegedly kissed female athletes on the lips without consent, slid his hand up their legs, booked single hotel rooms on away trips and invited ­athletes to his room while wearing only a towel, according to The Weekend Australian report.

Fong advised last weekend that aid while the current board had been aware of some allegations against Parnov, “the disturbing accounts published in The Australian newspaper are far more extensive than previously known”, adding “WAIS encourages all athletes impacted by this matter to contact the WA Police.”

Parnov was investigated by WAIS in 2019, but the reasons for his later dismissal were not made public by the scandal plagued body which has also been involved in a scandal involving young gymnasts over the same period.

The Age reported in 2019 that Parnov had quit his post as head pole vault coach at the WAIS amid an investigation by WAIS into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the details of which were not specified.

WAIS’ board changes in late 2023 was the culmination of months of concerns about inaction over recommendations included in a report into abuse in WAIS’ gymnastics program.

It also followed concerns that made it to Minister Templeman’s office about dysfunction at the elit agency, which is tasked with preparing athletes for world competitions like the Olympics.

Fong said after being appointed the new board became aware of the grievances levelled at Parnov.

He advised “when reviewed, we agreed (that they) had not been properly handled.

“WAIS immediately commissioned an independent analytical review of the documented history in relation to Parnov and the Pole Vault Program whilst he was Head Coach.

“WAIS has constantly encouraged further investigation of the Parnov issues, including activating WA Police’s involvement.

Athletics Australia has also apologised to athletes affected by the alleged predatory behaviour of former Olympic pole vault coach Alex Parnov.

Images: The WA Police and the Western Australian Institute of Sport are establishing a dedicated complaints pathway for athletes victimised by the alleged predatory behaviour of former Olympic pole vault coach Alex Parnov (top) and Nina Kennedy competing during the Meeting de Paris Wanda Diamond League 2023 athletics event (below). Images courtesy of Shutterstock.