The Whyte Review of abuse in gymnastics

The Whyte Review into mistreatment within gymnastics was published in June 2022. The review described an 'unacceptable culture' of physical and emotional abuse.

The review was led by Anne Whyte QC who said: "I am grateful to those individuals who showed strength and courage in coming forward to share difficult experiences with me." She called for the welfare of gymnasts to be put at the centre of the sport. 

The review heard from gymnasts themselves as well as parents and carers, coaches, British Gymnastics staff and former staff. It made 17 recommendations in these four areas: 

1. safeguarding and welfare
2. complaints handling
3. standards and education
4. governance and oversight

We published a briefing paper, Key themes, learning and recommendations from the Whyte Review, which outlined each recommendation in the report and the implications for the sports sector.

Response to the Whyte Review

Sport England and UK Sport released a response to the Whyte Review with 19 commitments. They covered coaching and workforce support, performance athlete support, good governance, dispute resolution and creating safer environments for participants.

British Gymnastics launched an action plan called Reform '25 in response to the recommendations of the Whyte Review. The document lists the recommendations and describes the actions British Gymnastics is taking to meet them.

July 2025 update to the commitments 

Sport England and UK Sport published an update on the 19 policy commitments in July 2025. The update lists the 19 commitments and describes what progress has been made in meeting each one. 

The update includes creating a national network sport welfare officers, establishing core standards for every coaching role and re-establishing an Athlete Advisory Forum to give athletes a say in policy-making for  high-performance gymnastics.

Seeking support

We have a dedicated helpline If you're worried a child might be experiencing abuse in gymnastics, we offer information, advice and support from a dedicated helpline on 0800 587 6696 or you can email help@nspcc.org.uk.