The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has released the final report of its review into Gymnastics Australia, identifying systemic issues within the sport related to misconduct, bullying, sexual harassment and assault on athletes.
The Commission was engaged by Gymnastics Australia in August last year to conduct the Review.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins commended the bravery and determination of those who shared their experiences with the Review and said their commitment to improving the sport was evident.
“Members of the community shared experiences of abuse, misconduct and bullying, but they also shared stories of hope and of their love for the sport,” Commissioner Jenkins said.
“There is a spotlight on the human rights of athletes around the world and many of the lessons of this Review are critical to all sports in Australia,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for gymnastics in Australia to lead the way on child safety and gender equality.”
Commissioner Jenkins said the Review, entitled, Independent Review of Gymnastics in Australia 2021, made 12 recommendations for change with five overarching key findings.
She said the findings included that current coaching practices created a risk of abuse and harm to athletes, and there was insufficient focus on understanding and preventing the full range of behaviours that could constitute child abuse and neglect.
“A focus on ‘winning-at-all-costs’ and an acceptance of negative and abusive coaching behaviours have resulted in the silencing of the athlete voice and an increased risk of abuse and harm with significant short- and long-term impacts to gymnasts,” she said.
“There is an ongoing focus in gymnastics on the ‘ideal body’, especially for young female athletes; this, in addition to inappropriate and harmful weight management and body shaming practices, can result in the development of eating disorders.”
Commissioner Jenkins said the Review also found gymnastics, at all levels, hadn’t appropriately and adequately addressed complaints of abuse and harm and was not effectively safeguarding children and young people.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board released a statement offering its apology and ongoing support to former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) athletes who were treated inappropriately and established a confidential, independent support service for former athletes and staff
AHRC’s 108-page Review Report can be downloaded at this PS News link and AIS’s support service, AIS Be Heard, at this link.
