Louis Smith: ‘Disgusting’ to praise British Gymnastics CEO amid abuse allegations in the sport
Multiple Olympic medallist Louis Smith has told ITV News it is “disgusting” the current CEO of British Gymnastics Jane Allen has been allowed to leave on her own terms in the wake of the abuse scandal that has engulfed the sport she runs.
Speaking for the first time about Allen’s decision to retire, the four times Olympic medallist said: “I’ve seen the statements from people commentating on how amazing she’s been and the leadership has excelled under her view.
“I think it’s disgusting and a slap in the face for all the people who’ve had so many traumatic things happen to them under her watch.”
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Allen admitted in October that the sport needed to learn from the many allegations of abuse that have emerged this year and pledged to assist an independent review into those claims of mistreatment.
A QC led complaints process has also been set up to investigate individual cases that were originally reported to a joint NSPCC/British Athletes Commission helpline. Many coaches remain suspended or have stepped aside while their conduct towards athletes in their care is investigated.
Smith, who won two silver and two bronze medals over three Olympics, has described the gymnasts who have spoken out about the sport’s abusive culture as “heroes”.
Read more here https://www.itv.com/news/2020-12-05/louis-smith-disgusting-to-praise-british-gymnastics-ceo-amid-abuse-allegations-in-the-sport