A previous Scottish pole-vaulting champion, who advocated for significant welfare reforms within athletics, expresses contentment that the sport has become more secure following the adoption of her suggestions throughout the United Kingdom.
Anna Gordon, who hails from Perth, faced rejection from several acquaintances when she alleged in 2013 that her coach had committed sexual abuse against her.
The coach in question was acquitted in court; however, Scottish Athletics never conducted an internal investigation.
After conducting an extensive examination of welfare procedures throughout the UK, British Athletics looked into the matter and announced a lifetime ban for the coach in February. They also offered apologies to all individuals affected by the situation.
Scottish Athletics has likewise offered an apology after acknowledging they fell short of supporting individuals who came forward with complaints.
They similarly revoked the coach’s honorary lifetime membership.
When Anna, who later became the Scottish junior pole vaulting champion, was 16 years old, she initially raised her concerns.
She mentioned that it was significant to cause disruption, and when she decided to create waves, it led to considerable consequences.
“I would arrive at competitions and be told, you don’t deserve to be here – you don’t deserve to be an athlete if you’re not going to support the coaches.”
She was given media training and told never to criticise the sport or Scottish Athletics.
After giving up on the sport, she started a campaign to push for athletes like her to be heard and for improvements in safeguarding.
UK athletics commissioned a report into athlete welfare in 2020 and has now adopted the recommendations put forward by campaigners like Anna.
Among the changes, all affiliated athletics clubs must have a dedicated welfare officer and criminal record checks must now be carried out every three years on those who work closely with children.
Anna Gordon now feels vindicated and wants to move on.
“I never wanted to get involved in welfare – it’s not a path I ever thought I’d go down,” she said.
“When you’re involved in a cause, yes it’s important to raise concerns when there are concerns, but it’s equally important to come back and say ‘yes these have been addressed, yes things are better and yes people are safer now.’
I would enroll my child in sports if I had one right now – I wouldn’t have agreed with this statement previously.
It’s positive that alterations have been implemented.
Following the British Athletics investigation, Scottish Athletics issued a statement.
Scottish Athletics wishes to express gratitude to the athletes who bravely stepped forward in this matter, both in 2013 and throughout the UK Athletics investigation from 2023 to 2024.
“Athletics should first and foremost be a safe, enjoyable and open environment for all participants.
“There must be confidence in the raising of concerns where circumstances require and support for those involved.
We believe that such shortcomings would not occur nowadays, largely due to the efforts of impacted athletes advocating for improvements in safety protocols.
Anna is now studying to become a sports psychologist and admits the process has taken its toll but she’s also pleased to see that the positives have prevailed.
The complicated aspect of this is.
The sense of relief is palpable as changes have been implemented and the desired results are finally being achieved.
What occurred will always be with me. No one has the power to alter that fact.
Although you cannot alter the past, you have the power to shape the future, which is truly significant.
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