Abuse complaints process to be replaced after victims' criticism

British Gymnastics says it will replace the independent complaints process set up after widespread concerns over the treatment of gymnasts, following criticism from victims of abuse.

An independent report into practices across British gymnastics in June 2022 described systemic physical and emotional abuse in the sport and found gymnast wellbeing and welfare had "not been at the centre of British Gymnastics' culture".

It heard from gymnasts made to train on broken bones and others who spoke of a culture of fear. Since then, several gymnasts have taken legal action against the governing body.

Alongside these civil cases, British Gymnastics appointed dispute service Sports Resolutions to run an independent complaints process (ICP).

The BBC has heard from several gymnasts and parents who say the process was flawed and re-traumatising.

After listening to feedback, British Gymnastics has confirmed it will replace the IPC with a "revised process that still has independence, is trauma informed, seeks timely resolution, and is both fair and proportionate".

"It's evident gymnasts, coaches, parents and families have found the process challenging and frustrating, and it has not been a positive experience for those involved," it added.

'The process failed me and many other gymnasts'

Of those who spoke to the BBC one former gymnast, who won a five-figure payout after developing an eating disorder due to the "culture in the sport", says British Gymnastics' approach to victims of abuse was "a complete failure".

Laura - not her real name - said she suffered a year of being bullied and insulted by coaches, being weighed twice a day and pressured to lose weight at just 12 years old.

The 19-year-old subsequently developed anorexia, bulimia and depression - something she and her family blame firmly on her treatment by her gymnastics coaches - and missed almost five months of school.

In October 2023, Laura's case was heard and the ICP panel issued the lead coach at Laura's former club with a warning, due to their "serious concerns" about the approach to weighing gymnasts at club.

However, despite winning a payout from British Gymnastics, some of the allegations about her treatment were not upheld.

"I feel that the ICP process failed me and many other gymnasts," Laura says. "Whilst the compensation I've received through the civil case has proved there was wrongdoing, all I ever wanted was for my coaches to accept accountability and acknowledge that their words and actions were the reason I became ill."

Law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, who represented Laura, says it has more than 40 ongoing claims against British Gymnastics. Laura's mother added: "The whole thing was a shambles. Ultimately, at the heart of this are children - children who ended up with eating disorders or self-harmed because of this culture in the sport."