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Independent review into British Gymnastics abuse allegations receives nearly 400 submissions

The independent review hopes to release a full report by the end of August 2021. Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

An interim report into allegations of physical and emotional abuse in British Gymnastics has revealed that nearly 400 submissions were made to the independent review, with 39 cases referred to statutory authorities.

The Whyte Review received 126 reports from gymnasts and 145 submissions from parents or guardians.

Lead reviewer Anne Whyte QC said in the report that the volume of submissions received "exceeded expectations."

The 39 submissions that were referred were done so as a reviewer felt that a child was at risk or there was criminal conduct.

The report also revealed how wide-ranging the issue is with 90 clubs and 100 coaches identified.

People reported issues of bullying, belittling, extreme weight management, regular over-stretching, use of excessive physical force, training on serious injuries, gas lighting, coercive control and lack of procedure for raising complaints.

With 390 submissions in total, 118 of these came from either the British Athletics Council or a special NSPCC hotline which was set up to help gymnasts who may have been affected.

The report detailed a failure of British Gymnastics to provide evidence requested of them. The Whyte Review sought details of all complaints British Gymnastics had received or closed since 2008.

Of the estimated 3,500 records that exist, only 660 have been sent which the organisation said was due to a lack of human resources.

"I am in the process of deciding with British Gymnastics the appropriate course to take in obtaining as much information about the closed 2008 to 2016 complaints as I consider necessary," Whyte said.

Whyte estimated in the interim report that the final verdict will be published at the end of August -- a year after the first allegations were raised.

"British Gymnastics welcomes the Whyte Review's interim report. We are fully committed to doing everything possible to help the Review get the answers it needs to do what is right for the sport and gymnasts," interim CEO of British Gymnastics Alastair Marks said.

"I remain appalled by the claims I have heard and alarmed that some gymnasts do not feel that they can have their voice heard and have a future within the sport. I want to be clear to them that I will fight to ensure that no one raising concerns will ever see their gymnastic opportunities detrimentally impacted.

"There is no place for abuse in our sport and we are determined and committed to change it for the better."