New British Gymnastics chief executive Sarah Powell says she is “under no illusions about the scale of change needed” to improve the culture at the organisation. Her predecessor Jane Allen retired in December amid accusations of mistreatment of gymnasts at all levels of the sport. An investigation into allegations of abuse at British Gymnastics is…
An independent inquiry into gymnastics in Australia says it has uncovered a culture of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in the sport. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) found that bullying and body-shaming were prevalent at elite levels. The report highlighted a win-at-all-costs culture, external that created a risk of harm and abuse. Gymnastics Australia,…
Twenty more gymnasts have alleged they have suffered physical and psychological abuse after a group of 17 launched a legal case against British Gymnastics last month. The group has complained about the conduct of coaches and people employed by UK clubs over the past 40 years. A spokesperson for the gymnasts says the number who…
A review into allegations of abuse within British Gymnastics has received information from almost 400 people. In total, 126 submissions to the Whyte Review were made by current or former gymnasts, while others were made by individuals including parents and current or former coaches. An interim report says that 90 clubs and 100 coaches have…
A new campaign group for gymnasts wants to see the creation of a body to monitor abuse claims in the same way doping is controlled. Gymnasts for Change has been set up in the wake of allegations of abusive coaching practices in the sport. British former Olympic gymnast Jennifer Pinches and campaigner Claire Heafford are…
British Gymnastics has set up an independent complaints process to oversee allegations of mistreatment by athletes. The organisation had already begun an independent review in the summer following gymnasts’ complaints. “We have a duty of care to our members,” said British Gymnastics chair Mike Darcey. The new process will “provide an independent means of addressing…
British Gymnastics has appointed Alastair Marks as interim chief executive from January 2021. Current chief executive Jane Allen will retire in December, despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of mistreatment of gymnasts. Marks previously held senior roles at the Lawn Tennis Association and Rugby Football Union. “The organisation needs stability in the short term,” British…
Olympic bronze medallist Amy Tinkler says she “would give up her Olympic medal” to have never experienced mistreatment within gymnastics. Tinkler, 20, submitted a complaint over allegations of mistreatment within the sport in December 2019. Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/gymnastics/54452026
Gymnasts will not be able to “heal” if an investigation into allegations of mistreatment in British Gymnastics takes a long time, says Aly Raisman. American Raisman, 26, is a survivor of the biggest abuse scandal in US gymnastics history. Several British gymnasts have recently alleged there has been a culture of mistreatment in the sport….
Warning: This article contains content that people may find distressing “I was taken off site, to a side area of the gymnastics space, so there were no witnesses. I was held there against my will, I was incredibly numb, shocked, just in utter disbelief.” Michelle Kinneavy was nine years old when she was assaulted by…