Rio Olympic medallist Amy Tinkler has revealed she retired from gymnastics this year because of her “experiences” rather than injury, as had been suggested previously.
Tinkler walked away from the sport in January, but said the decision had stemmed from an unspecified, formal complaint made to British Gymnastics a month earlier.
In a statement, the 20-year-old said: “I’m heartbroken by the stories I’ve been told over the past week. I’m so proud of my fellow gymnasts who have shared their stories, I know how hard it is, and your bravery has been a shining light and inspiration in dark and troubling times for the sport we love.
“I submitted a formal complaint to British Gymnastics in December. It was an account of my experiences as a club and elite gymnast, and the experiences I shared were the reason for my retirement in January, not a physical injury, as was suggested by some at the time.
“My complaint was submitted in accordance with the British Gymnastics complaints policy by a legal team. After eight months, I’m no closer to having any feedback or outcome. It took a lot of support to build up the courage to tell my story. I hope someone now listens to us.”
Tinkler’s comments follow a series of complaints of verbal and physical abuse, which British Gymnastics say they are now investigating as part of an independent inquiry.
