Zara Hyde Peters says it was “for the good of the sport” she did not take up her role as the new chief executive of UK Athletics.
The former distance runner was due to start in the post on December 1, but on Monday UKA chairman Chris Clark said the organisation would instead be looking for another candidate.
Hyde Peters’ position became untenable after it was revealed her husband, Mike Peters, had continued coaching athletes despite being banned from teaching following “an inappropriate relationship” with a 15-year-old girl.
Hyde Peters told Athletics Weekly: “I have agreed with the board of UK Athletics that for the good of the sport I will not take up the role of CEO in light of recent media reporting. This has been one of the most painful experiences I have ever had to face.”
UKA has been warned by UK Sport chief executive Sally Munday that its £27million funding could be cut if it fails to address the crisis.
