FROM one era to another, the next generation of aspiring gymnasts are celebrating being back in their happy place. There will have been high spirits among British team members after the announcement of the squad for the Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships in Bulgaria, but that excitement was probably equalled by the return of budding gymnasts at Wire Gymnastics Club. Having made do with online Zoom sessions for so long, the club reopened its doors on May 17 for under 18s group sessions. “Our gymnasts were very excited to return to the gym, they feel strong, prepared physically and mentally and they couldn’t wait to be back on the equipment and with their teammates,” said Ema Doherty, head coach at Wire Gymnastics Club.
A focus on positivity has kept Swallows Gymnastics strong through even the most difficult periods. Bullen reflected: The club is in its 48th year and is one of the longest standing sports charities in the county. It has been an incredibly difficult time financially but having looked back over our social media for the last year, there have been some great moments - the toilet roll challenge, the many competitions, the themed zoom sessions, fundraising efforts by members. It has been a tough year for all, but we are so grateful that we are out the other side and see our members return to gym safely.
Former gymnast: We loved the sport but hated the way we were treated
Nicole Pavier signed a letter before action to British Gymnastics, alleging there was a culture of abuse deployed by coaches in the sport. Show more
17 former gymnasts have written a ‘letter before action’ to British Gymnastics, alleging that there was a culture of widespread physical and psychological abuse deployed by coaches in the sport.
Nicole Pavier was a gymnast for 12 years until she was forced to retire for medical reasons aged 17.
She tells Naga Munchetty she and a teammate considered throwing themselves down the stairs to injure themselves badly enough to get a break from training.
Review into abuse allegations in British gymnastics gets nearly 400 submissions
Amy Tinkler is among the British Gymnastics stars who have demanded change (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Almost 400 submissions, including 39 so potentially serious they have been referred to the relevant statutory authorities, are being considered by the Whyte Review into allegations of abuse and bullying in British gymnastics.
In her interim report, Anne Whyte QC said the review continues to consider “positive and negative” submissions covering a range of issues, including “emotional abuse, physical abuse and a ‘culture of fear’”, with a view to publication of the final draft around August.
British Gymnastics said it remains “fully committed” to assisting the review, while the NSPCC, which jointly established a helpline for gymnasts to report cases of bullying and abuse, described the interim report’s findings as painting “a worrying picture”.
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