An independent review into Australian gymnastics has found the sport s culture enabled physical, sexual and emotional abuse in the sport.
The report, completed by the Australian Human Rights Commission, made 12 key recommendations off the back of five key findings.
It found current coaching practices create a risk of abuse and harm to athletes and that there was insufficient focus on understanding the full range of behaviours that can constitute child abuse and neglect in gymnastics.
It also noted the sport s focus on winning-at-all-costs and an acceptance of negative and abusive coaching behaviours resulted in the silencing of the athlete voice and an increased risk of abuse and harm .
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Gymnastics Australia has issued an apology to athletes and family members who experienced any form of abuse following the release of a bombshell report conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
At the request of Gymnastics Australia back in August 2020, an independent review of culture and practice at all levels of the sport was undertaken by the AHRC.
The request came about following the release of the infamous Netflix documentary film, Athlete A , which brought to light the story of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who sexually assaulted a number of young female gymnasts.
The Commission, which received 138 written submissions while also conducting interviews from past and present athletes, ultimately found that a win-at-all-costs culture created unacceptable risks for the safety and well-being of often very young gymnasts .
Abuse, neglect and bullying rife in Australian gymnastics crikey.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from crikey.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.