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The report found that "it is still widely accepted within the gymnastics community that a female gymnast reaches their peak in their pre-pubescent years", meaning young girls are thrust into the world of elite sport before they are physically and emotionally prepared to handle it. The commission conducted 47 interviews with 57 participants for the report. In 2017, the average age of all participants was eight. Of the approximately 321,000 participants in gymnastics in Australia, 77 per cent are female and 91 per cent are under the age of 12.
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"On the contrary, success is only possible where the human rights of athletes are respected and protected." Young girls exposed to perils of elite sport "For all gymnasts, and particularly the girls and young women who make up the majority of gymnasts in Australia, I urge the sport to work swiftly and collaboratively to implement the recommendations included in this report and ensure child safety is considered a core responsibility at all levels."Īt a press conference on Monday afternoon, Ms Jenkins said "the commission does not accept that breaching fundamental human rights is necessary for success in sport". "The review found that there are significant cultural challenges within the sport of gymnastics in Australia, cutting across coaching practices, the health, safety and wellbeing of gymnasts, complaints and investigations, and governance," Ms Jenkins said. Gymnastics Australia apologises after report reveals physical and sexual abuse. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins commended the "bravery and determination of all those who shared their experiences", and said she hoped Gymnastics Australia would take up the report's recommendations. Complaints of abuse from athletes were not adequately addressed by the sport's governing bodies, and young gymnasts - most of them children - were not being protected.A focus on an "ideal body" resulted in the development of eating disorders among athletes, which often continued long after they left the sport.There was insufficient understanding of what constituted child abuse, and not enough focus on preventing it.A "win at all costs" culture increased the risk, and led to athletes being silenced.Current coaching practices created a risk of harm and abuse for athletes.The report from the AHRC did not investigate any specific allegations of abuse or misconduct. "The Gymnastics Australia board and management acknowledge this work needs to be underpinned by transformational cultural change across all levels of gymnastics in Australia." "While important work has been undertaken in recent years to improve policies, education and support mechanisms for our athletes and coaches across child safety and athlete wellbeing, there is clearly more to be done," the governing body said in a statement.
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In response, Gymnastics Australia said it "unreservedly apologises to all athletes and family members who have experienced any form of abuse participating in the sport". Noting that the "athlete population in gymnastics is predominately young and female", the report explored power imbalances between athletes and coaches, body-shaming and bullying, and a culture which it said helped "create an environment where abuse and mistreatment can thrive". The report, carried out by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), made 12 recommendations around five key findings, most of which detailed negative experiences by young gymnasts, particularly at the elite level.