British Gymnastics has received a pre-action letter from 17 post-gymnasts outlining allegations of physical and psychological abuse.
Law firm Hausfeld & Co LLP confirmed they had served the letter on behalf of the athletes’ group, which includes three Olympics.
The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to persistent abuse during training and competitions, after which they suffered serious mental and physical damage.
They allege that the abuse was perpetrated by coaches and other British Athletic staff at governing body-affiliated clubs across the United Kingdom.
Examples of physical abuse include inappropriate and widespread use of physical force by anti-gymnastic coaches including physical assault, a “cavalier” view of injury and pain complaints, failure by coaches to proper monitoring of potentially and potentially dangerous, and abusive and harmful physical controls. coaching techniques.
Many of the plaintiffs allege that this abuse caused a number of permanent and permanent muscular injuries.
The alleged psychological abuse that has been committed involves the use of inappropriate and unfounded weight management methods, which are said to have caused eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and improper relationships. healthy with food.
It is also alleged that there was widespread bullying and intimidating behavior by coaches against gymnasts and parents, controlling behavior by coaches obstructing the social interactions of athletes outside the gym, penalties frequent and unnecessary for minor or non-existent “crimes”, and “gas lighting”. “and other handling behavior.
These factors are said to have caused psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
At this stage, all the applicants are women, who at the time of the abuse were aged between six and 23.
The age range is currently between 15 and 43 years.
Candidates include Claire Heafford, a former elite athlete and athlete rights advocate, and Jennifer Pinches London 2012 Olympics.
Both Heafford and Pinches helped found the Gymnasts for Change campaign group last year, with the latter also embarking on the #GymnastAlliance movement.
According to the Defender, Beijing 2008 and the London 2012 Olympics Hannah Whelan confirmed she was a candidate.
“This is a special time in our campaign for justice,” said Heafford.
“This is not and never has been about a few bad apples, this is about decades of systemic abuse, motivated and covered by those at the top.
“The hopes and dreams of countless children and young adults to compete as professional gymnasts have been destroyed and their love for the sport is now diminished by fear and suffering.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has felt this pain and has not yet spoken out – we want you to know that we are here, fighting your side. “
Proponents argue that British Athletics is a “win-win at all costs” mindset that prioritises sporting success over the physical and psychological needs of individual athletes. .
The governing body has opposed criticism of its handling of allegations of bullying and abuse made by British gymnasts last year, which have been thwarted by a release. Netflix documentary Athlete A., which detailed the U.S. Gymnastics sex abuse scandal.
Sport and Sport UK then commissioned an independent review of British Athletics to examine the period August 2008 to August 2020, while boss Jane Allen retired from her 10-year career at head of the sputum group in January.
The review, led by attorney Anne Whyte, seeks to examine the nature and extent of the complaints received by British Athletics, including allegations of abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse. and physical, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
It will also examine the way in which British Athletics resolves complaints, the reasons for any delays in complaints and the acceptance and enforcement of procedures and complaints.