'We will not turn our back' - UK Athletics to review historical safeguarding cases

UK Athletics says it intends to “root out” coaches who should not be involved in the sport with a review of all historical safeguarding cases which involved sexual activity or grooming with a child or adult at risk. Between 30 and 40 cases, which did not result in a permanent ban, are expected to be revisited. Ad/> A specialist caseworker will take charge of the review, which will prioritise the most serious offences and focus on individuals who may still be associated with the sport, or those in a position where they could return to coaching.

AthleticsOlympic medallist Lendore dies in car accident aged 2911/01/2022 AT 12:40 UK Athletics review identifies 'culture of mistrust' World Athletics finds 'disturbing' levels of abuse directed at female athletes during Tokyo 2020 An independent review of UK Athletics’ policies, published in July 2020, found a “lack of precision” with regard to understanding responsibilities. Christopher Quinlan QC put forward 29 recommendations in order to create a “modern, fit-for-purpose safeguarding regime” for UK Athletics. One of those was to carry out the new review into historical cases which will now take place and UKA interim chief executive Mark Munro welcomes the move.

«It is essential that our sport is safe and this exercise is the latest stage in working towards that», he said. An independent management panel will be used to reconsider sanctions for those involved, after the cases – which date back to 2004 – are reexamined. The UKA has also revealed its intention to publicly announce if a coach has received an increased of permanent ban from the sport.