Investigation after claims of bullying

British Swimming is the latest national governing body to become embroiled in a bullying controversy after it confirmed a BBC report that it has set up an internal investigation into claims from several para-swimmers.

The complainants are understood to include several Rio 2016 medallists, where para-swimming was ParalympicsGB’s most successful sport, winning 47 medals, including 16 golds.

In a statement, British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said: “Whilst some athletes have expressed some concerns, we have immediately undertaken an independent fact-finding investigation into these.

“The investigation remains ongoing and, until it is completed, we do not propose to make any further comment.”

The news follows almost a year of allegations about bullying at British Cycling and British Rowing has also had to deal with bullying claims.