British Gymnastics has introduced new policies to address reports of abuse and excessive control in the sport.
Coaches are no longer allowed to weigh gymnasts unless they are over 10 years old and give consent.
The policies also prohibit coaches from weighing gymnasts and ensure access to hydration and education. (Trending: Another Major Company Goes Woke And Goes Broke)
“My own experience was that I was trained by the first Russian that was brought over to the UK in the 90s,” said former gymnast Claire Heafford about her PTSD.
“I grew up in a Soviet training camp in the heart of the home counties [the counties surrounding London],” she continued.
Adding, “It was too bizarre to be believed. So as a kid just at an ordinary state school, trying to explain to my school friends what my training life was like was difficult.”
“When you do try to raise the alarm as a child and you’re shut down, it makes you think that if you do speak out, you’re not going to be believed,” revealed Heafford.
“From that point on, I never watched gymnastics,” admitted the former athlete.
“I got the hell away from it. And I went into athletics, which is where I had wonderful experiences, and I loved every minute of being a track and field athlete. So it was only when I stopped competing that I started to get PTSD symptoms showing up from my time in gymnastics,” said Heafford.
These measures come after a review found evidence of bullying and abuse within British Gymnastics.
The organization’s chief executive has acknowledged the failure and emphasized the importance of athlete welfare in the new policies.
British Gymnastics Chief Executive Sarah Powell wrote, “Above all else, we care about gymnasts as people, and these new policies make clear that what matters most in gymnastics is the welfare of those involved.”
“While practices have moved on a long way, we know there has been poor practice in these areas and so by providing clarity for gymnasts, parents and carers, coaches, clubs, volunteers and officials through the statements set out in these policies it will ensure everyone understands what is OK and what is not OK and help prevent that happening in the future,” continued the agency’s statement.
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