The athlete-led organization will be supported by UKA to further develop its athlete support service
UK Athletics has announced a new partnership agreement with Kyniska Advocacy to launch a pilot support service for those involved in safeguarding and disciplinary matters.
Founded in 2021 by athletes Mhairi McLennan and Kate Seery, Kyniska Advocacy was created to shed light on the longer-term effects of mistreatment and how individuals need more support to move past traumatic experiences.
Under the agreement, UKA will support Kyniska to maintain and develop its support service for athletics individuals. The pilot program will last for one year and will be supported by periodic reviews between the two parties.
UKA will be able to refer complainants and witnesses in defense and disciplinary matters to Kyniska Advocacy’s Athlete Support Service. The service will provide emotional and practical support through the reporting process and beyond.
Tom Salisbury, Chief Operating Officer of Great Britain Athletics, said: “We are pleased to partner with Kyniska Advocacy on this pilot project.
“UKA has invested heavily in safeguarding and disciplinary processes in recent years and this is another positive step towards ensuring those involved remain supported in what can be a complex and difficult process.
“We are delighted to take a leading position in this field and also to support the further development of Kiniska by investing in the very important work they are doing.”
After confronting the harsh realities of how women can be treated in sport, McLennan and Seery took decisive action in 2021 to improve the welfare and well-being of female athletes.
Mhairi Maclennan (London Marathon Events)
Despite the challenges she faced, McLennan continued to excel in her career, most notably finishing 11th in the 2024 London Marathon in 2:29:15, the best British woman in the elite field.
MacLennan and Ceri, the Welsh cross-country record holder, are focused on three main missions: to protect, support and educate.
“Reporting safeguarding concerns can make a victim feel more vulnerable at a time when they need the most support possible, so we are delighted that UKA recognizes the importance of what we do and invest in so we can continue to provide this vital support. athletes in our sport,” McLennan said.
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