WAIS Response to the Sport Integrity Australia WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program Report

Sport Integrity Australia today released the report of their review into the WAIS Women’s Gymnastics program. WAIS requested this independent review after receiving complaints from a number of gymnasts who had participated in the program which ran from 1988 to 2016.

The report makes disturbing reading. While training programs at the elite levels of sport are demanding, these demands should always be managed within the context of a positive and supportive training environment. This was clearly not the experience of some who participated in the Gymnastics program.

The report has pointed to aspects of the gymnastics program that failed to provide adequate support; to coaching practices that were at times harsh and inappropriate; and to policies and procedures that did not adequately protect some of the gymnasts in the program. This was despite the best of intentions of those involved in the program.

To the participants who reported such distressing experiences we have listened to you. We are sorry that your experiences were painful rather than enjoyable and we apologise that elements of the WAIS program failed you. To those who experienced abuse and harm we apologise. Sport, elite sport included, is meant to be a healthy and enjoyable experience. We are sorry that this was not your experience.

As part of the review SIA was asked to review current WAIS policies. We are encouraged that the Report recognises the work done at WAIS over several decades to develop policies and processes designed to ensure that we provide our athletes with a positive and supportive training environment. Times have changed and WAIS has changed with the times.

Can we also note that SIA referred a number of allegations of sexual abuse and/or physical abuse to the relevant authorities who had the jurisdiction to investigate these allegation but none of these allegations progressed to investigation or charges and all have been closed.

We welcome the SIA recommendations of the report which we believe will further strengthen our commitment to athlete care and wellbeing. WAIS supports the adoption of the National Integrity Framework and has been working with SIA, since its release in June 2021, with this intent. WAIS notes the report’s endorsement and support of the steps WAIS has already taken and continues to take in this regard.

Finally, can I thank SIA and all the participants who have voluntarily contributed to the report. This has not been a comfortable process and we thank you for your frankness in reporting your experiences. We look forward to continuing to work with SIA to ensure that our policies and practices support the mental and physical wellbeing of Western Australian athletes seeking to compete on the World stage.

Neil McLean

WAIS Chair