London, June 17 (FN Agency) An independent review has revealed a culture of physical and emotional abuse within British Gymnastics. In a 300-plus page review published on Thursday, Anne Whyte reported that British Gymnastics should have been aware of the “bullying, harassment and excessive control” that happened between 2008 and 2020. It was after several accusations of mistreatment by number of young British gymnasts, parents and guardians, the UK Sport and Sport England appointed Anne Whyte in 2020 to review the allegations that British Gymnastics had failed to address the complaints for decades. According to CNN, the review centered around allegations of abuse of gymnasts by coaches who weight-shamed, forced athletes to train while injured and used belittling language.
It further noted about 30 incidences of sexual abuse allegations but said those incidents did not appear to be “systemic in the sport in the way that the issues of physical and emotional abuse” were within British Gymnastics. Whyte said, “I am grateful to those individuals who showed strength and courage in coming forward to share difficult experiences with me. “The conclusions I have reached reflect the fact that between 2008 and 2020 there was a failure to put the welfare of participants at the centre of gymnastics, particularly elite gymnastics, and a culture that meant the gymnastics community felt unable to raise their concerns.” She said that they had received over 400 submissions and interviewed 190 people since her call for evidence in 2020.
Following the review report, chief executive of British Gymnastics Sarah Powell admitted that the organisation had failed the sport and apologised on behalf of British Gymnastics. She said, “I wish to accept all of the recommendations and the key findings and we will work hard to ensure that these are acted upon quickly and robustly. “But most importantly, I want to wholeheartedly apologize on behalf of the leadership and the board for those gymnasts who have suffered because we have not met the standards that are expected for our sport.”