South Durham Gymnastics Club accused of abuse and mistreatment

Accusations of abuse have been made against the internationally-renowned South Durham Gymnastics Club.

Former gymnasts at the Spennymoor club say children as young as seven were bullied, fat-shamed and put in fear of their coaches.

Some were put under pressure to exercise despite having broken bones, they said.

The club said it “categorically denies any allegations of abuse and mistreatment of any of its gymnasts”.

In a statement chairman Paul Anderson also said the club took “any allegation of abuse or mistreatment very seriously” and that it found the claims “very concerning”.

“No athlete in any sport should be subject to or endure any kind of emotional or physical abuse at any level and the perpetrators must be held accountable,” he said.

Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-53432196