British Gymnastics has announced an independent inquiry into “shocking and upsetting” allegations of serious physical and emotional abuse made by multiple elite athletes, including fresh claims of fat-shaming by one London 2012 Olympian.
Francesca Fox, who competed as a rhythmic gymnast at the London 2012 Games, told ITV on Tuesday night that she was constantly told she was “fat” and “looked like a hippo” and ended up weighing herself up to 10 times a day as a result.
Her comments came a day after another former British Olympian, the gymnast Lisa Mason, said she had been made to train until her hands ripped and bled. “My hands would then be pulled down and surgical spirit would be poured all over them,” she added. “I would also have AstroTurf put under the bars so I would burn my feet if I didn’t keep them up. But everyone else is going through it, so you think it’s normal.”
A third leading gymnast has claimed that she was locked in a cupboard by her coach as a 10-year-old. The gymnasts who spoke out have been given strong support by those within the sport.
Jane Allen, chief executive of British Gymnastics, admitted that the sheer weight of allegations by gymnasts showed that many felt they could not talk to sport’s governing body. ““It is clear that gymnasts did not feel they could raise their concerns and it is vital that an independent review helps us better understand why so we can remove any barriers as quickly as possible,” she said
Announcing the independent investigation, which will be led by Jane Mulcahy QC, Allen added: “The behaviours we have heard about in recent days are completely contrary to our standards of safe coaching and have no place in our sport.”
Increasing numbers of former British gymnasts have been encouraged to speak out after the recent broadcast of the US documentary Athlete A, which detailed abuse of gymnasts and the crimes of the USA team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexual offences against hundreds of underage American gymnasts.
But Mason has suggested that current British gymnasts still fear speaking out in case they are punished by not being selected for the Tokyo Games. “The Olympics is next year and we don’t want to rock the boat and upset the people who make those decisions,” she added.
Charles Derham, Director of Remedy Law comments “it is not unusual for those in a position of power and trust to abuse their position. They undertake these acts knowing that the individuals who they are abusing fear disclosure because of the potential consequences to their career.”
If you were subject to abuse in Gymnastics or in any sport setting, then please do not hesitate to contact us for a free and confidential discussions.