Made to hang from rings, sworn at and then body-shamed

Report tells of an abusive culture as gymnasts trained for glory bids

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

YOUNG British gymnasts were subjected to shocking levels of abuse, a hard-hitting report concluded yesterday.

Half of 400 complaints in the review by Anne Whyte QC reported emotional abuse, nearly a 10th involved sex abuse and more than two-thirds were "critical in tone".

Young gymnasts were starved and made to hang from rings in punishment for being late, while also being subjected to swearing and name-calling.

The review uncovered "unacceptable" demands such as being prevented from going to the toilet and banned from drinking water during long training sessions.

One athlete was made to balance on the beam for two hours as punishment, while a "dunce's cap" was used to humiliate others.