Ex-Bristol gymnast says British Gymnastic review highlights “sport wide and systemic issue”
A gymnast from Bristol says the latest review into British Gymnastics following a series of allegations of abuse says it has highlighted “a sport wide and systemic issue.”
The findings were in an interim report of the Whyte Review, which is investigating the governing body.
Up to 39 of the cases that were uncovered were so serious that they have been flagged to authorities because of suspected criminal conduct or children being at risk.
Nicole Pavier, who is one of the gymnasts involved in the legal proceedings against British Gymnastics, told ITV News that the findings of the report weren’t a surprise to those involved in the sport or those who faced abuse.
She also added that while it is important the issue is finally being highlighted, it was “a great shame it wasn’t reviewed sooner.”
I think it’s also important to highlight that sadly this is the tip of the iceberg. There are many individuals still involved in the sport whether as an athlete or coach, or those that have been continuously affected by their experiences that still don’t feel like they can or that they are ready to talk about it.Nicole Pavier
“Safeguarding needs to be at the heart of what we do when working with children and young adults.
“I think the scale to which this has not been a priority is highlighted by the amount of cases that needed to be referred to local authorities safeguarding officers and had not been at the time of the incidents.”
Almost 400 individuals have contributed to the Whyte review which has heard “re-occurring issues” of bullying, extreme weight management and the use of excessive physical force among other complaints.