British child gymnasts abused and denied food and water, report finds

British Gymnastics failed for years to address abuse complaints as it prioritised financial growth and medals, according to an independent investigator’s report that calls for governance reforms.

The “Whyte Review” is the culmination of a nearly two-year-long investigation commissioned after prominent British gymnasts went public in the summer of 2020 about years of emotional and physical abuse by coaches.

“I have concluded that gymnast wellbeing and welfare has not been at the centre of BG’s culture for much of the period of review,” Anne Whyte wrote in her 306-page report released on Thursday, “and it has not, until very recently, featured as prominently as it ought to have done within the World Class Program and within the development pathways used for talented gymnasts.”

Abuse against gymnasts - mostly young girls - included bullying, dangerous weight management, and physical force. A smaller percentage of cases involved sexual abuse.

“One former elite gymnast described being made to stand on the beam for 2 hours because she was frightened to attempt a particular skill,” the report said. "There was more than one submission about gymnasts being strapped to the bars for extended periods of time, sometimes when in great distress."

Whyte, commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England, blamed former BG chief executive Jane Allen for a “lack of leadership and an organisational failure” regarding athlete wellbeing. Allen, who retired in 2020 after 10 years on the job, fostered a culture that prioritised membership and financial growth, the report said.

“Regrettably, the focus on financial security, whilst undoubtedly important, was not matched by a focus at board level on culture, safeguarding, welfare and the gymnasts’ voice during