In her 306-page historic report, Anne Whyte paints a disturbing and often repulsive portrait of the atmosphere at the grassroots and elite levels of British gymnastics from 2008 to 2020. At the time, it was a vital component of Team GB’s medal factory, receiving over £38 million in UK Sport funding. However, numerous abuses were occurring behind the scenes.
During the period analyzed by Whyte, the regulating body received approximately 3,800 complaints. However, between 2008 and 2016, no thorough records were preserved. But finally, some of these narratives are being heard.
Athletes had to conceal food from coaches.
Whyte states that coaches would frequently monitor gymnasts’ weight, sometimes daily, and severely restrict their caloric intake. One gymnast revealed to Whyte, “I hid food in my toiletries bag, wrapped cereal bars in my socks and underpants, and stowed them beneath the liner of my suitcase because I was terrified that the coaches would inspect our bags for food. I was between 18 and 19 years old at the time.”
Whyte comments, “I’ve heard extreme instances of gymnasts concealing food, such as in ceiling tiles or under their beds. I’ve heard reports of coaches searching hotel rooms and travel bags for food “
Grapes were forbidden.
In addition to food rationing, several healthy-sounding fruits were prohibited. “I was informed of different methods by which food was rationed or controlled, including the searching of bedroom trash cans for food wrappers, the refusal of second portions, including vegetables, and the provision of children’s plates with divisions and ridges to decrease food intake,” writes Whyte.
“Gymnasts also claimed being warned not to eat grapes because they are the ‘fruit with the highest fat content and that their meal, including vegetables, should be ‘the size of the palm of their hand.
Coaches made no weight adjustments for female menstruation.
One told Whyte, “I would use laxatives to ensure that I could defecate before weigh-ins, or I would limit my water intake to ensure that I was not counting too much water weight.” Our time of the month was also never taken into account. The onset of my period caused me to gain one or two kilograms. I would be immediately shunned for this.”
Whyte stated, “According to a sports scientist, gymnasts were occasionally removed from equipment mid-workout and weighed. Typically, this occurred when the coach felt the gymnast was performing poorly. If the gymnasts had acquired even a small amount of weight, some coaches would tell them, “That’s why you can’t perform the skill.”
Fat-shaming remarks made in front of peers
Whyte states that numerous gymnasts reported inappropriate verbal conversation regarding their own or others’ weight. “For instance, it was claimed that a gymnast’s bad performance in a routine was due to their being ‘fat,’ or they were instructed not to wear specific leotards that could make them appear ‘fat,'” explains Whyte.
“I’ve heard pejorative terms such as ‘fat arse,’ ‘you look like a whale,’ ‘you have a beer belly,’ ‘your thighs are horrible,’ and ‘you’re bursting out of your leotard’. Another female gymnast stated that their increasing breasts would be mentioned and that they would be “struck in the face with them.”
Injuries caused by emotional maltreatment were labeled as mental infirmity.
A former competitive gymnast recalled being forced to stand on the balance beam for two hours due to her fear of attempting a move. Some gymnasts were strapped to the bars for extended periods, while others were forced to climb the rope if they needed to use the restroom or had exceeded their break time.
“I had many submissions from elite gymnasts who were made to feel sluggish, a failure, and “mentally weak” when their ailment was disclosed,” adds Whyte. These experiences were shared by people of all ages.
Abuse of the body during training
Whyte recalls how one gymnast was intentionally dropped from equipment and dragged across the gym floor by their arms, while others were forced to train with fractured bones and other injuries.
Whyte continues, “A male gymnast reported he would be spanked for unpointed toes or bowed knees.” “Another individual stated that they would be physically smacked if they failed to stand at attention.
“According to one international gymnast, their coach sat on their lower back, pressing their legs to the floor and then elevating their knee, causing extreme discomfort. I was informed that the gymnast was never asked about the procedure or how it affected them. Another gymnast expressed surprise that their legs did not snap when stretched.
