New pressure group calls for sports ombudsman and full judicial review into gymnastics abuse scandal
A pressure group, aiming to hold the sport of gymnastics to account in the wake of a shocking abuse scandal revealed by ITV News, has been launched.
‘Gymnasts for Change’ is being led by two former elite athletes, Claire Heafford and Olympian Jennifer Pinches, and consists of a network of gymnasts, coaches, parents and fans.
Among the groups’ demands is a full formal apology from British Gymnastics, the creation of a sports ombudsman and compensation for any wronged gymnast.
They are also calling for a Parliamentary or judicial review to scrutinise the sport.
While they welcome the QC led inquiry that is already underway, they do not believe it is enough to guarantee a culture of abuse is eradicated permanently.
Pinches, who helped found the online movement #gymnastsalliance, said: “Now we need to make sure real change happens, beyond words on social media.