Toxic environments at British swimming clubs have led to dangerous training and bullying for years, an investigation has found.
Extreme competitiveness has led to a “continuous and systematic” culture of fear.
An independent report said the species was present in all levels of water sports and posed a major threat to its future.
Athletes, volunteers and parents feared they would be “victimized and ostracized” if they raised concerns with Swim England, which admitted it “did not go far enough”.
During the investigation, 19 ongoing safety incidents were filed and were being investigated.
The wide-ranging investigation was commissioned by governing body Swim England (SE) in early 2022 after several athletes told the BBC they had suffered bullying, emotional abuse and physical shaming.
Among them was Olympic medalist Kathy Patten, who said she felt “heartbroken” by years of negative comments and called for change.
The former Great Britain team swimmer won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but lost her love for the sport when she began suffering from a severe “eating disorder” to lose weight at the behest of her coach.
More than 1,000 people in the sport, including swimmers, coaches, parents and volunteers, gave their input to researchers, and a further 3,500 completed the survey.
The study found that excessive demands on child athletes mean children are expected to train when they are exhausted or injured, leading many to quit the sport or suffer from mental health problems. It turns out that this is connected to something like this.
Allegations of bullying were often “swept under the carpet” by SEs, and historical reports were often ignored.
Investigators say those in power are too eager to “protect themselves” and parents and volunteers are “blacklisted” or labeled troublemakers for speaking out about wrongdoing. She said she was afraid that she would be labeled as such.
The whistleblower was subject to threats, abuse and intimidation by others while swimming.
The survey also found that many in racially diverse communities feel they don't belong in what is considered a “white, middle-class sport” and that there is an “urgent need” to tackle racism in swimming. It also became clear that there is a need for
Participants wanted to confirm that SE was serious about changing sports culture, and called for an “external review and a thorough review of those in power.”
Jane Nickerson stepped down as chief executive of the governing body last week and was replaced by former British Triathlon chief executive Andy Salmon.
A review by Behavioral Architects found that there were “unacceptable behaviors and practices within the swimming community that are causing genuine pain and distress to participants”.
“It is also clear that people feel unable to come forward and voice their concerns to Swim England.”
The report released on Tuesday also found:
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Past and current experiences of bullying were “widely reported” and “left a lasting negative impact,” particularly by coaches and other child athletes.
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Aggressive coaching styles such as yelling, shaming, and singling out individuals are “accepted as expected behavior” due to fear of repercussions.
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The current approach to SE safeguarding has been criticized by some as excessive and biased towards coaches.
The study includes input from all swimming communities, including water polo, artistic swimming, para swimming and diving.
The magazine pointed out that aquatic sports are great for well-being and camaraderie, citing examples of good coaching at all levels.
Many coaches fear unfair allegations will be made against them, and some have told researchers they walk a fine line between trying to make progress and putting undue pressure on them. He said he is doing so.
But SE was praised in the review for continuing swimming during the pandemic and keeping the pool open during the cost of living crisis.
“Act based on the findings”
SE chairman Richard Hookway said the organization had apologized because it had “fallen short” of what it had set out to be, which had led to a “negative experience”.
He added that they take the findings of the report very seriously and are committed to change and have been working on a plan called 'Heart of Aquatics' for 12 months to improve safety measures, welfare and culture.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we welcome the recommendations and will act on the findings of our investigation. We fully accept them,” Mr Hookway said.
“We will now take appropriate time to develop our next steps, building on our work with Heart of Aquatics and in consultation with our stakeholders.”
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