GB PARA-SWIM STARS FACED ‘CLIMATE OF FEAR’

GREAT BRITAIN’S Paralympic swimmers were forced to endure a ‘climate of fear’, were described in derogatory terms by staff and were dealt with in an abusive manner, British Swimming have admitted in a bombshell statement. As the BBC revealed in March, the governing body called for an independent investigation into complaints made by athletes despite the success the paraswimmers enjoyed in Rio. They were Britain’s best performing sport, clinching 47 medals — 16 of them gold — with head coach Rob Greenwood subsequently crowned coach of the year. But in October 2016 the British Athletes Commission was contacted by a number of athletes, with the matter then referred to British Swimming. In February this year, a three-strong investigation team, including two ex-police officers, was engaged by British Para-Swimming to carry out an independent investigation, with 13 athletes and 10 members of staff interviewed. ‘One member of staff left before the investigation commenced and another has been the subject of appropriate internal disciplinary action and continues in his position,’ said British Swimming in a statement last night. Greenwood left his post but a spokesman for British Swimming would not confirm if he is the member of staff to whom the statement refers. The statement continued: ‘As regards the one member of staff who has left, it was found he had created a climate of fear for some athletes in the British Para-Swimming programme and there had also been breaches of the staff code by communicating with athletes in an abusive manner, as well as using derogatory terms to describe athletes. ‘As for the second member of staff, it was found that athletes were not managed to the appropriate level, there was failure to ensure management control and lack of empathy was shown towards athletes.’ British Swimming will review the staff code of conduct, safeguarding policies and the whistleblowing policy. British Swimming chairman Maurice Watkins said: ‘On behalf of British Swimming I want to apologise to the British Para-Swimming athletes and their families who have faced unacceptable behaviour and comments. In the pursuit of excellence, we recognise there have been failings in the culture and communication within British Para-Swimming. We are correcting that, recognising the need to ensure strong athlete welfare in our sport. ‘We want to ensure a closer working relationship with the British Athletes Commission. ‘Our goal continues to be medal-producing performances in a positive culture.’