British Gymnastics ‘committed’ to resolving legal claims despite delays

British Gymnastics has said it remains “committed” to resolving the individual legal claims of up to 40 gymnasts, despite frustrations among complainants that only one case has been settled two years after action was threatened.

In the first few months of 2021, 38 former gymnasts, including four former Olympians, announced they intended to take action alleging safeguarding failures, including systemic physical and psychological abuse perpetrated by gymnastics coaches on children as young as six.

The case quickly moved to settlement talks but two years later only one has been resolved.

Emma Webb (not her real name), who alleges she was abused between the ages of five and 12 by her coach and has detailed her story in the Guardian on Friday, is set to join the action against British Gymnastics, but lawyers representing the gymnasts have raised concerns about the drawn-out process.

A statement from the law firm Hausfeld said: “For many of the claimants Hausfeld represents, British Gymnastics’ failure to deal with their civil claims more swiftly, adds insult to injury. In June 2022, the Whyte review was crystal clear exposing an organisation that failed to prioritise athletes’ welfare. Many of our clients are now adults seeking redress as a result of British Gymnastics’ alleged safeguarding failures.

“The delays they have encountered in resolving their claims to date, indicates a continuation of that collective failure – particularly where claimants have been given no indication of when the ongoing investigations will be completed and what impact they will have on their civil claims.”

A statement from British Gymnastics said: “British Gymnastics has a clear duty to its members with regard to their safeguarding and wellbeing.