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The Whyte Review into British Gymnastics was published yesterday, led by Anne Whyte QC and co-commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England. The 'damning' report details the mistreatment of gymnasts in Britain, including sexual assaults. Former gymnast and co-founder of Gymnasts For Change, Claire Heafford, joined Anita Rani on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4's Woman's Hour to discuss the review and her own experience in the sport.

The investigation received more than 400 written submissions, which some claim represents just a ‘tip of the iceberg’. Of those, more than 40% described physically abusive behaviour by coaches, more than 50% reported an element of emotional abuse and more than 25% included reference to excessive weight management.

39 of those cases were considered so serious they have been passed to local authorities because of child safeguarding reasons or concerns of ongoing criminal conduct.

A statement from Sarah Powell, Chief Executive of British Gymnastics, says: ‘British Gymnastics accepts all of the recommendations and key findings. We will now fully consider the detail of the Review and put in place a roadmap that addresses the recommendations in full. We know we will be judged by our actions, not our words.

‘Let me be clear; there is no place for abuse of any kind in our sport and coaching standards of the past will not be those of the future. For anyone that has been affected by the findings detailed by the Review we have set up a free and confidential NSPCC Helpline on 0800 587 6696. There is also further advice and support on our website for gymnasts, parents, coaches and clubs.’

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