Kyniska Advocacy and the Female Coaching Network call on the athletics communities and NGBs to show courage and integrity following recent abuse cases
In light of recent news reports detailing serious allegations and confirmed cases of abuse by accredited athletics coaches in the UK, Kyniska Advocacy and the Female Coaching Network wish to reaffirm our commitment to centring the voices and experiences of those most affected; the victims, survivors, and their families.
Athletics has been central to both of our organisations’ journeys. We know firsthand that there are many coaches, leaders, and volunteers working tirelessly to create positive, safe, and nurturing sporting environments. Their work matters deeply.
However, we must also acknowledge that when cases of abuse reach the headlines, our collective response must prioritise care, accountability, and reflection. This is the time to confront the reality that, for too long, entrenched power dynamics and a culture of protectionism have enabled abusive behaviour to go unchecked.
We cannot build a safe and thriving sporting culture unless we address the systems and environments that have failed to protect people. Leadership from all the athletics governing bodies across the UK must show courage and integrity by:
Acknowledging and learning from institutional failings;
Clearly communicating the steps being taken to prevent future harm;
Ensuring that all reviews and safeguarding reforms meaningfully involve athletes, survivors, and experts with lived experience;
Embedding a culture of transparency, care, and restorative justice across every level of the sport.
There are indeed many good coaches and people within athletics, but good people and good systems are not the same thing. Real progress depends on an honest reckoning with the past and a collective commitment to doing better. A commitment from clubs, committees, coaches, athletes, parents and everyone who has a role to play in our sport, is vital in ensuring a culture of transparency and care.
Together, we can build a culture where safeguarding is not a response to scandal, but the foundation of sport itself - a culture defined by care, respect, and integrity, where every athlete feels safe, heard, and able to thrive.
