Category: parents

British Gymnastics – Whyte Review

The Whyte Review looked into the practices of British Gymnastics.

It was co-commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England and led by Anne Whyte QC.

The review received in excess of 400 submissions of evidence. 190 interviews were conducted for the report, including 133 former and current gymnasts.

The report detailed ‘systemic’ accounts of both physical and emotional abuse of young athletes.

The submissions described sexual assault, excessive weigh management and emotional abuse of gymnasts.

British Gymnastics has a Whyte Review page. It includes a response from CEO Sarah Powell.

British Gymnastics is also facing separate legal action from dozens of gymnasts, including a number of Olympians, who allege widespread physical and emotional abuse.

Last week the 19-year-old gymnast Eloise Jotischky became the first person to win a civil case against British Gymnastics for the abuse she suffered in the sport.

Many around the world are right now reading and responding.

gymnasts sue the FBI

… There’s no dispute that FBI agents in 2015 knew that Nassar was accused of molesting gymnasts, but they failed to act, leaving him free to continue to target young women and girls for more than a year.

“It is time for the FBI to be held accountable,” said Maggie Nichol …

Indy Star

FIG updates Code of Conduct

The Code lists general principles of integrity and respect to which everybody who takes part in Gymnastics must commit, and also specific principles for athletes, coaches, judges, officials and the managers of Gymnastics federations.

Its scope of application has also been broadened compared with the previous Code, to encompass all aspects of training, competition, sporting operations and communication. …

FIG
  • the FIG Statutes, which are the “Constitution” of the Gymnastics governing body
  • the Code of Ethics, which sets the core ethical values
  • the Code of Conduct, which sets restricted or forbidden behaviours based on these ethical values
  • the Code of Discipline, which defines proceedings in case of infringement and refers to the sanctions set in the Statutes.

“American Prodigies” podcast – Gymnastics

Search for “American Prodigies” on your podcast host to hear how Black girls moved from the margins of gymnastics to prominence. Interviews & coaches and gymnasts, journalists & academics for insight into what it means to be a Black girl in gymnastics in 2022.

Hosted by Amira Rose Davis.

I’m now subscribed.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

NEW Gymnastics Film – Olga

Olga is about a 15-year-old Ukrainian gymnast exiled in Switzerland, who is working to secure a place at the country’s National Sports Center.

But when the “Euromaiden” revolt breaks out in the country in early 2014, anxieties rise as her family gets involved.

This film isn’t about the current evens in Ukraine, but it is about a revolution in 2014 and related to Russia’s violent invasion in the country. 

Olga stars Anastasiia Budiashkina as the gymnast …

First Showing

Read a review from a Gymnastics expert.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Amanda Reddin stepped down

British Gymnastics’ head national coach Amanda Reddin has stepped down from the position with immediate effect.

In 2020, Reddin temporarily stepped aside while an investigation into claims about her conduct took place.

The claims were not upheld and her suspension was lifted, but another independent investigation is ongoing into “further historical complaints”.

British Gymnastics said it has been “mutually agreed” she will leave her role with the women’s artistic team. …

BBC

Baker, Memmel, Sacramone USAG

Though making decisions by committee is never easy, I’m still happy with these hires.

I don’t know Dan Baker. But everyone feels confident that Chellsie and Alicia will speak truth to power. I recall when Alicia was the only National Team member with the guts to question Marta. #respect

Baker’s broad focus will be on the Hopes, TOPS, and junior developmental program as well as talent identification. …

(Chellsie) provides the technical and coaching oversight of the High Performance Program and serves as the resident expert for training, competition and performance. Memmel will direct training and skill development at National Team camps and clinics and will travel to clubs around the country to help facilitate streamlined implementation of the program’s high performance strategy …

(Alicia) oversees strategic planning and guides the overall direction of the high performance program. Quinn will focus on the program as a whole and the overarching strategy for the National Team while also making the holistic development of individual athletes, physically and mentally, a top priority. …

Canadian class-action lawsuit

UPDATE: Gymnastics Canada has responded.

Amelia Cline — now a lawyer — is one of the athletes bringing forward a class-action lawsuit against Gymnastics Canada and provincial governing bodies, claiming lasting physical and psychological damages suffered over many years.

Amelia was coached for 3 years by the Lashins at Omega Gymnastics.

Click PLAY or watch National News coverage on YouTube.