'She Was Shocked By It' – Jessica Hull's Father Responds to Claims of Fallout with Athletics Australia

Simon Hull, the father and coach of Australian running star Jessica Hull, has strongly refuted a media report alleging a falling out between his daughter's team and Athletics Australia (AA).

He labelled the claims "fabricated," "ridiculous," and a "shame," clarifying that the relationship with the national federation remains entirely positive.

The controversy began with a News Corp article published on Wednesday, which suggested that a "thawing in the relationship" over the past year was the reason for Hull's absence from the upcoming Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne.

The report also claimed that AA president Jane Flemming had unsuccessfully attempted to "mend bridges" with the Hull camp.

However, Simon Hull provided a different explanation, stating that the decision to skip the event was based purely on managing his daughter's demanding competition and travel schedule.

Fresh off a successful World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, where she won silver in the 1500m and bronze in the 3000m, the quick turnaround was deemed not in her best interest.

"It's just fabricated. There's no truth in it at all. The relationship with AA is 100 per cent spot on," Simon Hull told Wide World of Sports. "We've never had any issues with them, that's for sure. It's just bizarre."

He expressed frustration that the report cast a negative light on the federation, emphasising the strong support they receive. "I don't want AA to cop heat over this. It's just wrong," he said, adding that his daughter is "the best-supported athlete in Australian athletics."

Upon her return to Sydney on Thursday, Jessica Hull was reportedly "flabbergasted" by the news and immediately contacted AA's high-performance boss, Andrew Faichney, to confirm there was no issue.

In response, key figures from AA, including Faichney, Flemming, and CEO Simon Hollingsworth, all reached out to the Hull camp to reassure them of their continued support.

"She was shocked by it. It wasn't provided by us," Simon Hull explained. "We do have a good relationship with AA, and you don't want someone fracturing things by telling non-truths."

The original report also mentioned concerns from the Jessica Hull camp regarding support leading up to last year's World Championships in Budapest.

However, it is understood that AA provided financial assistance for Hull's high-altitude training camps in Flagstaff, Arizona, and St. Moritz, Switzerland, and that an AA physiologist joined her in Flagstaff.

Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth echoed the sentiment of a strong partnership in a statement. "Athletics Australia is immensely proud of what Jess has achieved on the world stage. She is a superstar of our sport," he said.

"We have a very positive working relationship with her and her team, and we will continue to do so in the future."

Hollingsworth acknowledged the demanding nature of Hull's recent double-medal performance and confirmed the federation looks forward to her participation in the national championships in Sydney next month.