5 days Ago By Hamish Hastie
WA Police and the WA Institute of Sport are setting up a dedicated complaints pathway for athletes victimised by the alleged predatory behaviour of former Olympic pole vault coach Alex Parnov. WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman revealed WAIS was writing to all former athletes coached by the 65-year-old Russian-born coach to alert them of the hotline. Pole vault coach Alex Parnov in 2007.
Credit: Getty Images 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. 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. “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.”.
