The allegations are similar to many made around the world of gymnastics.
Gymnastics New Zealand has formally apologised to those in the community who have experienced abuse, following the release of the “confronting, sobering” independent review into the sport. “We re sorry that those who have gone before and some of those currently engaged in our community who have suffered abuse and have suffered negative experiences as a result of participating in gymnastics,” Gymnastics New Zealand chief executive Tony Compier said. “We apologise for that unreservedly, and we will work hard with our community and our partners to address and redress that.
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Former World Anti Doping Agency head David Howman led the independent review, alongside former Silver Fern Lesley Nichol and former gymnast Rachel Vickery. It has been overseen by former World Anti-Doping Agency head David Howman, who brought on former Silver Fern Lesley Nicol and former gymnast Rachel Vickery in September following the gymnastics community’s discomfort in not having women or child safety specialists on the review panel. Girls and women make up the vast majority of participants in the sport, with Gymnastics NZ reporting 88 per cent of all gymnasts are aged 12 or under, and 78 per cent are female.