Photos: Getty Images, SuppliedAccusations of abuse, over-training and fat-shaming of athletes as young as 8 have been levelled at one of the country's largest gymnastics programmes. One young gymnast was allegedly made to continue a routine she was struggling with on the bars - even after the skin on her hands had been torn off. North Harbour Gymnastics chief executive Mike Thompson told the Weekend Herald the allegations were "gut-wrenching" as it went against culture changes the club had tried to implement in recent years. One young gymnast was taken for X-rays and a metatarsal fracture was revealed. This week Gymnastics Australia launched an independent investigation into at least 20 former athletes' complaints of physical and mental abuse.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 31, 2020 21:00 UTC