Ex-gymnast given apology over alleged abuse

Mark Ansell

A woman from York who first complained of being sexually abused by her sports coach 16 years ago has won damages from the gymnastics national governing body.

Nikki O’Donnell’s former instructor, Stan Wild, was expelled as a member by British Gymnastics four years ago.

Mr Wild denies the allegations and has never been charged with a criminal offence.

In a statement, British Gymnastics said junior coaching today was “very different for those involved”.

Sarah Powell, the governing body’s chief executive, apologised to Ms O’Donnell in a letter in which she said she was “deeply sorry”.

The settlement followed the Whyte Review, which was published two years ago and found evidence of systemic physical and emotional abuse in the sport of gymnastics.

Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgee50pvve0o