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 of her contemporaries following her allegations against her coach regarding sexual misconduct in 2013.
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 imposed a lifetime ban on the coach in February. They also offered their apologies to all individuals affected by this issue.
Scottish Athletics has likewise offered an apology after acknowledging they fell short for those who filed complaints.
They rescinded the coach's honorary lifetime membership as well.
When Anna, who later became the Scottish junior pole vaulting champion, was 16 years old, she filed her initial complaint.
She stated that causing disruption was significant, and indeed, when I stirred things up, it led to considerable consequences.
When I reached competitions, I was informed that I didn't belong because I wasn’t supporting the coaches, which apparently meant I had no right to be an athlete.
She underwent media coaching and was instructed not to criticize the sport or Scottish Athletics.
Once she abandoned the sport, she launched an initiative to ensure that athletes similar to herself were acknowledged and to advocate for better protection measures.
In 2020, UK Athletics ordered an investigation into athlete well-being and has since embraced the suggestions made by advocates such as Anna.
As part of the modifications, each associated athletics club is required to appoint a specific welfare officer. Additionally, criminal background checks must be conducted every three years for individuals working closely with children.
Anna Gordon now feels justified and wishes to proceed.
She stated, 'I never aspired to be part of the welfare system – it was never a direction I envisioned myself taking.'
When you're committed to a cause, it’s crucial to voice your concerns when issues arise; however, it's just as vital to return later and acknowledge that ‘these problems have been resolved, conditions have improved, and individuals are now more secure.’
I would enroll my child in sports if I had one right now – I wouldn’t have said that 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 towards the athletes who stepped forward in this matter, demonstrating great courage—in 2013 as well as throughout the UK Athletics investigation from 2023 to 2024.
Primarily, athletics ought to provide a secure, pleasant, and inclusive setting for every participant.
Confidence must be instilled when voicing concerns under necessary circumstances, along with providing support to those involved.
We believe that such shortcomings would not occur nowadays, largely due to the efforts of impacted athletes advocating for improvements in safeguarding procedures.
Anna is currently pursuing her studies to become a sports psychologist, acknowledging that this journey has been challenging yet rewarding as the positive outcomes have ultimately triumphed.
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.