Gymnasts sue over ‘systemic abuse’

A GROUP of 17 former gymnasts have launched legal action against British Gymnastics in a move which threatens to be the most damaging blow yet to the crisis-hit governing body. The victims, who are all female and include three Olympians, are suing for ‘negligence and breach of duty’ on the grounds that they were subjected to ‘persistent abuse’ by coaches that has caused them ‘serious and continuing psychological and physical damage’. A 26-page letter of claim seen by Sportsmail has been served on British Gymnastics by law firm Hausfeld & Co, with the former athletes seeking compensation which could cripple the organisation financially. One claimant, Jennifer Pinches, who represented Team GB at London 2012, said: ‘For too long, we have seen British Gymnastics prioritise podiums over people, which has led to untold damage to the lives of young people. ‘This is just the beginning of the sweeping changes that we are demanding and the justice that we will fight for.’ The gymnasts’ allegations include ‘widespread inappropriate use of physical force’, ‘bullying and intimidating behaviour’, ‘gaslighting’ and ‘inappropriate weight management techniques which is alleged to have caused eating disorders’. They are seeking damages for any psychiatric or physical injury, provisional damages for ongoing injuries and special losses arising from the ‘defendants’ tortious actions’. The claimants are aged between 15 and 43 and were allegedly abused between the ages of six and 23. Claire Heafford, director of campaign group Gymnasts for Change, added: ‘This is about decades of systemic abuse, encouraged and covered up by those at the top.’ The testimonies of gymnasts last summer led to UK Sport and Sport England co-commissioning the Whyte Review to investigate allegations of mistreatment within the sport. British Gymnastics said they would not yet be commenting.