Tinkler says inquiry is taking too long

GYMNASTICS

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’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”.

THE Coral Challenge Cup’s sixth round will be redrawn after the withdrawal of six clubs, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Toronto Wolfpack and five Championship and League One clubs have all pulled out of their scheduled last-16 ties, leaving 10 Super League clubs in the competition - including Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors.

An RFL statement said: “The 2020 Coral Challenge Cup has been reshaped because of the unique set of circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic - with the 10 Super League clubs remaining in the competition to be included in a redraw for the sixth round and the quarter-finals.

“Having considered all the options, and having received the support of the BBC and Coral, the RFL Board decided that a redraw of the sixth round is the best and fairest way of proceeding.”