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British Gymnastics head coach steps aside while misconduct claims are investigated

A complaint was launched against British Gymnastics head coach Amanda Reddin by 2016 bronze Olympic medalist Amy Tinkler. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

British Gymnastics head coach Amanda Reddin has stepped aside from her position while an investigation into alleged misconduct takes place, the organisation has said.

A number of British gymnasts have accused the organisation of ignoring physical and emotional abuse leading to an independent review of the organisation.

"British Gymnastics has agreed with Amanda Reddin that she will temporarily step aside from her role as head national coach to allow an investigation to proceed into claims about her conduct as a coach," the body said in a statement.

"The investigation will be completed by an external independent expert and any outcome actioned immediately. Our processes and investigations will also be scrutinised by the independent review."

Amy Tinkler, a bronze medallist from Rio 2016, was one of the athletes to publicly state she had submitted a formal complaint to British Gymnastics about her experiences.

Tinkler confirmed on Tuesday that her complaint was against Reddin and said she was left "sick" after she received an email saying her complaints had been dealt with and the case was closed.

"No explanation was given," she said.

"The way I received this information made me sick. It reinforced mine and every gymnasts fear, which is that their complaints aren't dealt with fairly or independently. This is why we don't speak up. This is why we suffer in silence. We know that to speak up is a pointless, career ending task."

The 20-year-old has said in a previous statement that it was her experiences as a club and elite gymnast that forced her to retire in January and not a physical injury as was reported at the time.

Reddin has said she rejects all claims made against her.

British Gymnastics have said "there is no place for abuse" in the sport.

"Those that speak out about mistreatment in gymnastics must be heard," it added.

"It is vital, however, that such claims are made through the proper processes to ensure a fair and independent system that protects integrity for all parties involved."