Gymnasts with chalk and sweat girls
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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.
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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. "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
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"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.