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Transforming Safety in Athletics: My Journey From Past Regrets to Positive Change

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 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 They rescinded the coach's honorary lifetime membership as well.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.

<h2>
 It's positive that alterations have been implemented.
</h2>

 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.

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 'Queries regarding the precedence of well-being'
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 'The process for reporting abuse claims needs reform'
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Transforming Safety in Athletics: My Journey From Past Regrets to Positive Change

Unknown athletes, scandals, social issues, sports, sports coaching

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 …

Andy Farrell's Shock Lions Selection: England Coach Joins Ireland-Heavy Backroom Team Amid Leak Controversy

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 Andy Farrell, the head coach of the British & Irish Lions, is set to reveal his coaching staff for this summer’s tour in Australia. The official announcement will be made on Wednesday morning.
 


 Simon Easterby, who currently serves as the acting head coach for Ireland, is expected to be officially appointed as the defense coach for the top-tier squad. In this setup, John Fogarty will assume the position of scrum coach, while Englishman Richard Wigglesworth will join the team along with the rest of the Irish staff.


 Easterby
 Filled in the gap created by Farrell, who took a sabbatical year with the Lions, guiding
 Ireland
 securing a third-place result in the Six Nations Championship.

<h2>
 Ireland-heavy backroom team
</h2>

 Following an underwhelming season, he will transition into the Lions' coaching staff alongside his previous position as an assistant.
 British & Irish Lion
 Paul O'Connell, the Ireland international, will step in as the temporary head coach for the country's summer fixtures against Georgia and Portugal.


 Even though Ireland didn’t perform well in the Six Nations, you can’t dispute that this coaching team hasn’t had success at the Test level, having won the Grand Slam in 2023 and achieving the top spot globally.


 Easterby has been included as part of
 Farrell
 Since 2019, he has been part of Ireland's coaching staff, transitioning from a forward coach to a defensive coach in 2021. Together, they have guided the team through some of their most impressive displays.


 Furthermore, he boasts British & Irish Lions tour experience from his time as a player during the 2005 trip to New Zealand. He joined the squad to replace Lawrence Dallaglio and participated in two Test matches, crossing the try line in the second game held in Wellington.


 
 Team of the Round Champions: David Campese Supports George Ford for Lions Selection Following 'Utterly Breathtaking' Display
 


 Prior to his time as the Irish scrum coach, Fogarty served in the same capacity for Leinster starting in 2015. Additionally, Easterby secured one appearance for Ireland in 2010 and represented his country wearing the green jersey during a match against the All Blacks.


 Last week, when questioned regarding Easterby and Fogarty’s involvement in the coaching staff, the IRFU was requested for their input, but a representative responded saying: "Currently, we do not have any comments to provide."


 But
 The Irish Times
 It has been reported that both will be officially confirmed at Farrell’s press conference in London on Wednesday morning.

<h2>
 Wigglesworth to be named
</h2>

 BBC Sport
 have reported that
 England
 head coach Steve Borthwick was approached regarding the availability of
 Wigglesworth
 And appears to have endorsed the proposal, with his most recent role being added to his quickly expanding resume after retiring from the Leicester Tigers in 2022.


 Before his reported inclusion, Ireland appeared to set the tone for the 2025 tour, starting with the match against Argentina in Dublin on June 20. The other home nations might hope this isn’t just another Irish affair when the Lions squad is unveiled at London’s O2 Arena on May 8, with space for up to 2000 spectators.


 The squad will then travel down under to Australia where they will play nine fixtures including three blockbuster Test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.


 
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Andy Farrell's Shock Lions Selection: England Coach Joins Ireland-Heavy Backroom Team Amid Leak Controversy

Unknown coaching, rugby, sports coaching

Andy Farrell, the head coach of the British & Irish Lions, is set to reveal his coaching staff for this summer’s tour in Australia. The official announcement will be made on Wednesday morning. …