Tinkler says inquiry into abuse is taking too long

AMY Tinkler has criticised British Gymnastics over the time taken to deal with her complaint over bullying and an abuse culture in the sport.

Tinkler said earlier this month her “experiences as a club and elite gymnast”, and the subsequent failure of British Gymnastics to act on her complaint, led her to announce her retirement in January.

The 20-year-old said she had no option but to quit gymnastics less than four years after becoming Great Britain’s youngest medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“I can confirm that the complaint I submitted in December 2019 related to my experience at South Durham Gymnastics Club and against part of the British Gymnastics coaching team,” Tinkler wrote on social media.

“I’ve also been chasing British

Gymnastics for a timeline on their investigation into my complaint. I understand it could still take 4-months or more to reach a conclusion, making it nearly 12-months from my original complaint.

“I’m unhappy at the length of time this is taking as it leaves vulnerable gymnasts at risk of abuse from known clubs and coaches. I beg British Gymnastics to move swifter.”

Tinkler spoke out after the Downie sisters, Becky and Ellie, described an “environment of fear and mental abuse” in British gymnastics and said they had been “left deep scars which will never be healed”.

“I would like to thank you all for the support you have given me,” said Tinkler, a bronze medallist at Rio 2016.