Becky and Ellie Downie say abusive behaviour in gymnastics has been ‘completely normalised’
British Olympians Becky and Ellie Downie say abusive behaviour in gymnastics training became “ingrained” and “completely normalised”.
It comes after several gymnasts told BBC Sport about what they called a “culture of fear” within the “mentally and emotionally abusive” sport.
The Downies said they had previously been afraid to speak out.
“We certainly didn’t realise how wrong it was at the time,” they said.
The World Championship medallists, both current members of the GB squad, added in a statement on Twitter, external: “It’s taken years and years to understand and come to terms with it.
“While exact experiences obviously vary, we both recognise the environment of fear and mental abuse those before us have described so bravely.
“For too long, the health and wellbeing of young girls has been of secondary importance to a dated, cruel, and – we’d argue – often ineffective culture within women’s gymnastics training.”
Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/gymnastics/53357280