Athletes from three major sports that have undergone reviews into culture in the last three years are now calling for an independent sport commission.
The call follows the sudden death of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore on Monday. The 24-year-old died in a suspected suicide following a social media post in which she outlined the demands of high performance sport.
Former Olympic cyclist Eddie Dawkins is calling for the government to establish an independent commission to investigate sport, not just at the elite level, but at every level.
Previous reviews into sport, including cycling, have not led to enough tangible change, he said.
He hopes an independent commission might investigate, and enact changes that would keep people safe.
“This is not just a Cycling New Zealand issue. Kayak racing has ongoing issues that have been swept away. Cycling did the same,” he said.
“[Athletes] have been discarded, or emotionally abused into believing something that was right, wasn’t right.
“It’s affecting kids. It’s affecting full-grown adults in sport, past members, coaches, parents of young kids who have to deal with the fallout.”
Cycling was at the centre of the 2018 Heron Report, that uncovered “instances of bullying in the programme”, a “lack of accountability and effective leadership” and Cycling NZ’s (CNZ’s) response to issues “was ineffective and inadequate”.
Dawkins believes nothing has changed since the review. On Tuesday, Cycling NZ chief executive Jacques Landry, said recommendations from the report had been implemented. Further questions from Stuff during the week went unanswered.
Cycling New Zealand posted late Thursday on social media saying over the next week, “in concert with the family and other relevant parties, Cycling New Zealand Board and Executive will discuss what next steps it might take”.
“Until such time Cycling New Zealand will not be making any further statements.”
