Whyte Review: Gymnasts ‘heard and vindicated’ – Becky Downie

Warning: This article contains some description of graphic injuries and abuse.

Gymnasts have been “heard” and “vindicated” following the release of the report detailing the “systemic” abuse of gymnasts in Britain, says two-time Olympian Becky Downie.

The Whyte Review, released on Thursday, heard from athletes who were made to train on broken bones, punished for needing the toilet, sat on by coaches, and subjected to excessive weight management.

In 2020, Downie and younger sister Ellie said abusive behaviour in gymnastics training became “ingrained” and “completely normalised”.

But on Friday, Becky Downie said she had already seen a “drastic change” in the sport in this country.

“I didn’t want to respond until I’d had adequate time to read and properly digest everything in yesterday’s announcement,” she said in a statement on Twitter, external.

“Twenty-four hours later my overwhelming feeling is: we’ve finally been heard.

“It feels like a vindication for myself and so many who have known for so long of the serious cultural problems within the sport. A sport I love more than anything.

“Finally everyone knows the truth and while it won’t directly benefit those who have experienced it, it’s encouraging to know that if the recommendations are implemented, it’ll protect and enhance the next generation of gymnasts.”

Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/gymnastics/61834703