U.K. gymnastics abuse: Whyte Review finds physical and emotional abuse issues were 'systemic'

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Issues of physical and emotional abuse within gymnastics in Britain were "systemic", an independent investigation has found.

 

The Whyte Review, co-commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England, was released on Thursday and found gymnast wellbeing and welfare "has not been at the centre of British Gymnastics' culture".

 

Athletes were made to train on injuries, punished for needing the toilet, sat on by coaches, shouted and sworn at and had their bags searched for food.

 

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https://www.bbc.com/sport/gymnastics/61796129

 

 

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'Gymnastics abuse report again shows darker side of sport'

Anne Whyte's shocking report into the "systemic" physical and emotional abuse of young athletes is a devastating blow to the reputation of gymnastics.

 

But as the QC makes clear early on in her 306-page report, while undoubtedly the most serious to date, it is far from the only athlete-welfare scandal to cast a shadow over publicly funded British sports in recent years.

 

The governing bodies of cycling, swimming and canoeing are just some of the other sports that have had to apologise after inquiries into their cultures. UK Athletics remains under scrutiny over its past record on child safeguarding after an independent review of its policies found a "lack of precision" in lines of responsibility.

 

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https://www.bbc.com/sport/gymnastics/61837245

 

 

 

 

Whyte Review: Gymnasts 'heard and vindicated' - Becky Downie

 

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.

 

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https://www.bbc.com/sport/gymnastics/61834703