Young gymnasts were likely subject to emotional and physical abuse at elite Australian training program, report finds

Western Australia’s Institute of Sport has apologised after an independent investigation found some of its gymnasts were abused.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), which examined allegations in the period between 1987 and 2016, found it was “reasonably likely that some gymnasts suffered abuse and/or harm” at the WAIS.

Allegations of verbal and physical abuse, fat-shaming and unnecessary skinfold testing were cited by SIA.

Some gymnasts were expected to train and compete while injured and others experienced extreme training loads, the report said.

“The courage exhibited by these gymnasts in telling their stories will result in meaningful change,” SIA’s chief executive David Sharpe said on Wednesday.

The SIA investigation found the program had no effective complaints process.

“One of the main reasons these behaviours were able to occur was because there were no adequate independent oversight mechanisms ... or an avenue for complaints in place,” Sharpe said.

The WAIS accepted four recommendations, including a “restorative” process with affected gymnasts, WAIS chairman Neil McLean said in a statement on behalf of the organisation.

“To the women who reported such distressing experiences, we have listened to you,” McLean said. “To those who experienced abuse and harm, we apologise.

“We are sorry that your experiences were painful rather than enjoyable and we apologise for the elements of the WAIS program that failed you.”

The SIA investigation also found WAIS policies governing the gymnastics program failed to “adequately protect some of the gymnasts”.

About 800 athletes went through the WAIS gym program which was ceased for financial reasons in 2016.

“It is vital for everyone involved in our elite sporting community, including