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British Gymnastics is the subject of a complaint lodged by 37 former gymnasts who say they were victims of suspected systemic physical and psychological abuse; President Mike Darcey said: “We have to do better to make sure there is no room for abuse in our sport”
By PA Sport
Last updated: 08/18/21 10:08 AM
British Gymnastics President Mike Darcey said the organization “needs to do better” to make sure there is no more abuse in the sport and is “deeply sorry” for giving up the gymnastics community.
The governing body is the subject of a complaint filed by 37 former gymnasts, including three Olympians, who say they were victims of alleged systemic physical and psychological abuse.
British Gymnastics has already responded by appointing Sarah Powell as the new CEO, with more changes to come to the board in the months to come.
Darcey says the organization, which conforms to an official review of his conduct, has let people down and the abuse is “unacceptable.”
He said in a statement: “As we reflect on some great moments of the Tokyo Olympics, we must also recognize that, alongside the rapid growth of gymnastics over the past decade, our organization has, on several fronts , failed to keep pace with this growth.
“The Board of Directors has taken stock in recent months. It is evident that the management team and the Board of Directors have not been close enough to the gymnastics community to understand your concerns, and our commitment. with those who raise concerns has not been good enough.
“We have let you down and we are deeply sorry.
“While we recognize that there are many good practices in sport in the UK, we need to make it clear to all members that abusive practices including injury training, bullying, yelling and the shame of the weight, are not acceptable.
“There is a growing awareness of such practices in gymnastics, including globally.
“The Whyte Independent Review was commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England with terms of reference to provide recommendations for improvement and change. We welcome this review.
“We need to do better to make sure there is no room for abuse in our sport. We are determined and determined to change within British Gymnastics and there is no need to wait for reports from Whyte Review to start doing it. “
In addition to a new CEO and Executive Director of Sport, three non-executive board members will be replaced, a new national social protection officer will be appointed and a new safeguard complaints tracking system will be implemented.
Darcey added, “The board understands the anger being felt in the community. It has been a very difficult time for the sport.
“We know that trust will not be earned by simply announcing these changes – trust will only be earned with consistency of action over time.
“By working with the management team we are focused on delivering your services and we are committed to fundamentally changing the culture at the heart of British gymnastics to ensure there is never an excuse for a bad behavior in gymnastics at any level. “
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