Serious allegations against pole vault coach Alex Parnov have come to light, prompting Sports Minister David Templeman to take action, while Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti expressed her disgust over the situation.

The Western Australia Police are currently investigating claims that Parnov preyed on several young female athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy.

Back in 2016, coach Paul Burgess reported a video to WAIS human resources showing Parnov allegedly inappropriately touching then-18-year-old Kennedy, but the complaint was handled informally with no formal action taken.

Burgess, who had suspicions about Parnov's behavior early in his career, was forced to resign as head pole vault coach in April 2024 due to multiple complaints regarding the coach's conduct.

In response to the allegations, Burgess was banned from WAIS venues three months before the Olympics after raising concerns about the lack of action taken against Parnov.

The new WAIS board, which became aware of the grievances in November 2023, initiated a review but opted not to reopen discussions about Parnov at the request of Olympian Nina Kennedy ahead of the Paris Games.

On December 14, 2024, WAIS issued an apology for the hurt and trauma experienced by female athletes who reported being preyed on by Parnov.

Minister Templeman met with WAIS officials, including chair Neale Fong, on December 16, 2024, to discuss the serious allegations against Parnov.

Rita Saffioti commented that while she is not fully briefed on the allegations, she is appalled by the reports that have surfaced.