WAIS responds to Sport Integrity Australia Women's Artistic Gymnastics Program Report

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) which ran the women's artistic gymnastics program for 28 years before it was shut down in 2016, has apologised for the abuse the child athletes suffered.

On 20th April, Sport Integrity Australia released the findings of an Independent Review into the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program (the Program) in which they found gymnasts suffered abuse while participating in the WAIS Program.

WAIS Chair Neil McLean released a statement today noting “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.”

Former elite child gymnasts say the SIA report recommending they receive an apology for past alleged abuse does not go far enough, and they want the state government and national sporting peak body to hold those responsible accountable.