Yahoo Finance 17 Former Gymnasts Are Taking Legal Action Against British Gymnastics for Alleged Abuse
Content warning: discussion of eating disorders and physical and psychological abuse
A group of 17 former gymnasts are taking legal action against British Gymnastics
They allege that they suffered physical and psychological abuse at the hands of coaches, including being deprived of sufficient food
In a Letter Before Action, the group said: 'British Gymnastics implemented a model of suspended pre-pubescence leading to generations of girls with eating disorders, body image issues, and deliberately stunted physical development'
Last year, Netflix documentary Athlete A– which excavated USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar's sexual abuse of hundreds of girls over 20 years, and the culture that allowed him to persist – caused thousands of viewers to reconsider how they thought about the stunning performances of elite athletes.
Now, a group of 17 former gymnasts, including three Olympians, are taking legal action against British Gymnastics. They allege that the body allowed physical and psychological abuse to run rampant in the culture, thanks to a 'win at all costs' mentality. This was carried out, they say, by coaches employed by the body at clubs over the UK. (To be clear, no allegations of sexual abuse have been made.)
This week, the body received a Letter Before Action from the group. This detailed claims from the gymnasts, who are now between ages 15 and 43, that they were subject to being kicked, punched or slapped when they did not execute moves correctly.
The women, who were between six and 23 when the alleged abuse took place, also claim that a 'culture of bodyshaming' persisted. They say they were told to 'starve themselves' to hit target weights and given 'punishment conditioning' if they didn't do so.
'British Gymnastics implemented a model of suspended pre-pubescence leading to generations of girls with eating disorders, body image issues, and deliberately stunted physical development,' the letter reads. 'Many of the claimants now suffer from eating disorders, body dysmorphia and/or an unhealthy relationship with food.'
Some of the claimants report that they had to smuggle food into their rooms as they were so hungry from a 1,000-1,200 calorie a day diet, which is close to half of what the NHS recommends for a teenage girl.
Jennifer Pinches, who competed at London 2012, is spearheading the action. She said: 'For too long we have seen British Gymnastics prioritise podiums over people which has led to untold damage to the lives of young people. It is a heartbreaking truth to face, knowing the level of abuse that we and so many others were subjected to. This is just the beginning of the sweeping changes that we are demanding, and the justice that we will fight for.'
The group say that they felt they could not speak out about the abuse due to the personal relationships between many coaches and British Gymnastics. Many coaches, meanwhile, acted as judges in competitions – making fear of reprisals a reality.
Recently, a special hotline was set up by the NSPCC to allow athletes to report abuse in gymnastics. Earlier this month, it was revealed it had taken 221 calls. Half of these are considered to be serious enough that they have resulted in referrals t the police or social services.
Earlier this month it was revealed that 221 calls alleging abuse in British gymnastics had been received on a special hotline set up by the NSPCC – with more than half considered so serious they have resulted in a referral to the police or social services. It was set up after gymnasts, including world championship medallists Becky and Ellie Downie, said that 'cruel' actions were 'ingrained in our daily lives that it became completely normalised.'
British Gymnastics said: 'We took receipt of the Letter Before Action on 25 February. It would not be appropriate or fair to all parties for us to make any comment until we have had the opportunity for it to be fully considered.'
Resources for if you have been subject to physical or psychological abuse
You can call Victim Sipport on 0808 168 9111 for practical advice
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
0808 801 0331If you need mental health support, call the Mind infoline on 0300 123 3393
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