The athlete-led organisation 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 individuals involved in safeguarding and disciplinary cases.
Founded by athletes Mhairi Maclennan and Kate Seary in 2021, Kyniska Advocacy was created to shine light on the longer-term impacts of mistreatment and how individuals need greater support in being able to move on from traumatic experiences.
The agreement will see UKA support Kyniska to maintain and further develop its support service for individuals in athletics. The pilot will last for a year and will be supported by regular reviews between both parties.
UKA will have the opportunity to refer complainants and witnesses in safeguarding and disciplinary cases to Kyniska Advocacy’s ‘Athlete Support Service.’ The service will provide emotional and practical support through the reporting process and beyond.
UK Athletics Chief Operating Officer Tom Solesbury said: “We are delighted to partner with Kyniska Advocacy on this pilot programme.
“UKA has invested heavily in safeguarding and disciplinary processes in recent years, and this is another positive step in ensuring individuals involved remain supported through what can be a difficult and challenging process.
“We are pleased to be taking a lead in this space and also helping support the further development of Kyniska by investing in the very important work they do.”
After facing the harsh realities of how women can be treated in sport, Maclennan and Seary took decisive action in 2021 to improve the welfare and wellbeing of female athletes.
Mhairi Maclennan (London Marathon Events)
Despite the challenges she has faced, Maclennan has continued to excel in her career, most notably finishing 11th in the 2024 London Marathon with a time of 2:29:15, the top British woman in the elite field.
Maclennan and Seary, Welsh steeplechase record holder, are focused on three key missions: advocate, support and educate.
“Reporting safeguarding concerns can make a victim feel increasingly vulnerable at a time when they need as much support as possible, so we are delighted that UKA recognises the importance of what we do and invested in our work so we can continue to provide this crucial support to athletes in our sport,” said Maclennan.
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