British Gymnastics’ action plan and overhaul cannot be allowed to fail

British Gymnastics’ action plan, Reform ’25, responds to the devastating Whyte review and provides a critical moment for sport reform in this country. For the sake of past, present and future gymnasts, this plan cannot be allowed to fail. For the rest of sport and society it matters too. Anne Whyte KC’s extensive review heard the stories of hundreds of gymnasts who had previously suffered in silence. Rio’s brilliant Olympic bronze medallist Amy Tinkler publicly stated that she would hand her medal back if she could change the abuse she had experienced. Now is a crucial moment to shape some fundamentally different stories of sport.

The challenge for British Gymnastics is complex and relies on support and goodwill across the gymnastics world. Culture is created by everyone in the sport. There’s no quick fix for changing behaviours, mindsets and relationships. Ensuring thousands of youngsters encountering gymnastics have an enriching experience, – positive while difficult, safe while challenging, whether novices or Olympians – is not easy to guarantee but is at last recognised as the only ambition worth pursuing.

British Gymnastics’ CEO, Sarah Powell, has been preparing through her first year for this moment. Effective, compassionate leadership is required to galvanise the immense collaborative effort needed for meaningful cultural change. Powell knows she has to open up the previously isolated governing body that was out of touch with gymnasts’ real lives and she must work convincingly to create trust and connection across gymnasts, coaches, volunteers, parents and club managers.

New forums have been set up to provide an open channel of communication with gymnasts, coaches and clubs. Better coach development and support is