Swimming Australia announces ‘unreserved apology’ over historic abuse of young female athletes

Swimming Australia has today issued an “unreserved apology” for past treatment of young female athletes  - released after receiving the results of a six-month investigation by an Independent Panel.

Commissioned in June last year, the Independent Panel’s report and recommendations result, as advised in a statement, from “feedback (that) was open and frank”.

The sporting body’s statement noted “Swimming Australia is very grateful to the Panel and the participants who came forward to share their experiences.

“The feedback was open and frank and there were experiences recounted that were difficult to read.

“Swimming Australia wants to reassure those who came forward that the sport is committed to change to ensure these negative experiences are not repeated and apologises unreservedly to those impacted.”

The key areas of inquiry included:

i. The current structures and systems within Australian swimming that influence and impact the experience of participants, particularly girls and women in swimming
ii. The overall experiences of swimmers in relation to the behaviours, conduct and practices of persons in positions of authority
iii. The impact on the experience of women and girls of having few or no female coaches in the swimming environment
iv. The communication to female swimmers by coaches and others about physiological benchmarks of elite sport such as weight, skin folds and body shape and the psychological impact that has on the wellbeing of swimmers
v. The effectiveness of the current complaints process, including any perceived or real barriers to making complaints or the handling of any complaints.

The six-month investigation heard from more than 150 participants spanning former and current athletes, parents, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and administrators.

It was made up of high-profile barrister Chris Ronalds SC, former track and road cyclist Katherine Bates and Alex Parker, the Executive Director at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University.

While the full report will remain confidential, the review found that Swimming Australia must address the coaching gender imbalance, coaching culture, education and accreditation, governance structures, and the complaints process.

Among a total of 46 recommendations, the key findings and recommendations from the report cover a range of themes including:

1. Systems, structures and processes
2. Coach accreditation and education
3. Assessment and management of body composition
4. Cultural change and leadership
5. The complaints process

The report also identified issues that affect athlete experiences and wellbeing at all levels of the sport, including a fear and pressure to perform, speaking out, and more broadly control and the coaching culture.

Here the Swimming Australia statement advised “it is acknowledged that, particularly for young female athletes, some of their experiences have had longer term impacts.

“Swimming Australia again unreservedly apologises to those members of the swimming community who have had a negative experience.”

The statement added “Swimming Australia commits to addressing each and every recommendation from the Independent Panel report.

“Broadly, the review found that Swimming Australia must address the coaching gender imbalance, coaching culture, education and accreditation, governance structures, and the complaints process.

“The report also identified issues that affect athlete experiences and wellbeing at all levels of the sport, including a fear and pressure to perform, speaking out, and more broadly control and the coaching culture.”

The review resulted, in part, from Olympic swimmer Maddie Groves last year alleging she was sexually assaulted between the ages of 13 and 18 by a man still involved in the sport.

In response to the report, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has acknowledged its importance, with ASC Chair, Josephine Sukkar commenting “the ASC will play an active role in supporting Swimming Australia to implement the recommendations within the Report. We need to ensure this leads to positive outcomes for Australian swimming and sport more broadly.

“There are a number of initiatives in place across the ASC that address the challenges being faced by swimming including athlete wellbeing, coaching and governance programs. We will continue to work closely with swimming, and all sports, to ensure sport provides inclusive and positive environments and remains central to the lives of all Australians.”

Lower image: Australian and Queensland swimmer Maddie Groves last year alleged she was sexually assaulted between the ages of 13 and 18 by a man still involved in the support. Source: Supplied