British Gymnastics: Head coach Amanda Reddin steps aside while misconduct claims are investigated
Written by News on 25/08/2020
The head coach at British Gymnastics has agreed to step aside while an investigation into her alleged misconduct takes place, the organisation has said.
“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,” said 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.”
The body added: “There is no place for abuse in our sport. Those that speak out about mistreatment in gymnastics must be heard.
“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.”
Ms Reddin said she rejects all claims against her after Olympic medalist Amy Tinkler revealed the complaint she made about British Gymnastics in 2019 related to her.
Tinkler, now 20, said on Twitter on Tuesday that the complaint she lodged last year involved Ms Reddin and the “national performance coaching set up at British Gymnastics between 2016 and 2019”.
The bronze medallist from the 2016 Rio games tweeted that she was left feeling “sick” after previously being told the case into her abuse claims would go no further.
She said she was emailed on Friday saying her “complaints had been dealt with and the matter closed”.
“No explanation was given,” she added.
Her formal complaint stated that she retired from the sport because of alleged abuse – not an ankle injury.
Tinkler is one of a number of athletes who have accused British Gymnastics coaches of physical and emotional abuse, which has triggered an independent review of the organisation.
It has been organised by UK Sport and Sport England and will be presided over by Anne Whyte QC.
The NSPCC has set up a dedicated helpline for anyone who claims to have been subjected to abuse within the sport.
The NSPCC helpline will be available 8am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends on 0800 056 0566.
(c) Sky News 2020: British Gymnastics: Head coach Amanda Reddin steps aside while misconduct claims are investigated
