Former gymnasts warn full extent of abuse will not be exposed by review into allegations

Former gymnasts have warned the review into abuse allegations in the sport will not come close to exposing the full scale of the problem.

An interim report from the Whyte Review revealed yesterday that almost 400 submissions were made before it closed for evidence in October.

Anne Whyte QC, heading the review, said the level of people coming forward had exceeded expectations.

Gymnasts for Change, set up by former British gymnasts Claire Heafford and Jennifer Pinches, said the final report, due to be published in the wake of the Tokyo Olympics, would still not completely expose the issue.

In a statement, GFC said: “We are saddened to learn of the scale of the negligence that has taken place over the past 12 years, which represents so many missed opportunities for athletes to have been protected.

“We’re also firmly of the view that the Whyte Review in no way takes full account of the true scale of the issues, which date back over 40 years.”

The Whyte Review received 390 submissions: 126 from gymnasts past and present; 90 clubs were identified; and 100 coaches were described as having “recurring issues”. In addition, 39 referrals were made to statutory authorities, suggesting a child was at immediate risk.

GFC added: “The huge numbers speak for themselves. Going back to 2008, British Gymnastics have had thousands of reports regarding safeguarding and athlete welfare but only decided to take action in 2020 after media pressure from gymnasts forced their hand.”

In response to the report, British Gymnastics’ interim CEO Alastair Marks said: “I remain appalled by the claims I have heard and alarmed some gymnasts do not feel that they can have their voice heard and have a future in the sport.”