蜜芽传媒

17 former gymnasts have written a 鈥榣etter before action鈥� to British Gymnastics, alleging that there was a culture of widespread physical and psychological abuse deployed by coaches in the sport.

Nicole Pavier was a gymnast for 12 years until she was forced to retire for medical reasons aged 17.

She tells Naga Munchetty she and a teammate considered throwing themselves down the stairs to injure themselves badly enough to get a break from training.

Nicole said it was a 鈥渓ove-hate relationship, we loved the sport but hated the way we were treated.鈥�

British Gymnastics' Interim CEO, Alastair Marks, provided this statement: "It would not be appropriate or fair to all parties for us to make any comment until we have had the opportunity for it to be fully considered.

鈥淚 remain appalled by the claims I have heard and alarmed that some gymnasts do not feel that they can have their voice heard and have a future within the sport.

"I want to be clear to them that I will fight to ensure that no one raising concerns will ever see their gymnastic opportunities detrimentally impacted.

There is no place for abuse in our sport and we are determined and committed to change it for the better."

This clip is from Naga Munchetty on Tuesday 16 March 2021.

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