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…
Nicole Pavier says an eating disorder still “plagues” her life. A former England gymnast, she says she was weighed every day during her career. Pavier, 24, told BBC Sport how she developed bulimia when she was 14 and that she retired three years later after becoming “a shell of a person”. She is one of…
Dozens of Australia’s former top gymnasts have spoken out to allege instances of mental and physical abuse within the nation’s elite programme. In stories shared online, many argued that coaches normalised a “toxic” environment. Gymnastics Australia has acknowledged the allegations, saying it wishes to improve the sport’s culture. It follows a similar reckoning for the…
What did it take to bring down Dr Larry Nassar – the USA Gymnastics team doctor who abused hundreds of young women? Why did the abuse continue for more than two decades? And did USA Gymnastics (USAG) cover it up? These are some of the questions explored in Athlete A, a new documentary out on…
Charlie Fellows omitted from England squad despite successesGoverning body denies claims over selection and weight focus British Gymnastics has rejected an allegation of favouritism made by a gymnast who was left out of Team England’s squad for the Commonwealth Games despite outperforming other athletes who were selected. Charlie Fellows, who has been part of the…
British Gymnastics is facing a crisis with its biggest stars, including the double Olympic champion Max Whitlock, refusing to sign World Class Performance Programme contracts and being threatened with having their funding withdrawn. An internal power struggle between the performance, commercial and management teams about the content of the contract has led to a rebellion…
British Swimming takes rare step of apologisingUK sport looking at independent report which spoke to 13 athletes The duty of care scandal engulfing Olympic and Paralympic sport has plunged to a new low as British Swimming admitted disabled swimmers, including vulnerable teenagers, were subjected to a “climate of fear” while training for Rio 2016. The…