Former Essex-based gymnast Amy Tinkler reveals she quit sport over 'negative experiences'
Former Essex-based gymnast Amy Tinkler has revealed she felt she had no option but to quit the sport because of the negative experience she faced.
Tinkler was just 16 when she won bronze in the floor exercice at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, making her the youngest medallist for Team GB at the Games.
Following those Games, she moved from her native North East to the South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basilson.
There was shock when she announced her retirement at the age of 20 in January 2020, and it was widely assumed the decision was down to her struggling to recover from three bouts of ankle surgery.
However, she has now said that injuries had nothing to do with it, and says she decided to call it a day because of her “experiences as a club and elite gymnast”.
Tinkler is the latest gymnast to criticise the alleged bullying and abuse culture in the sport following a statement issued by the Downie sisters, Becky and Ellie, late last week.
In a statement released on Twitter, Tinkler said: "I submitted a formal complaint to British Gymnastics in December 2019.
“It was an account of my experiences as a club and elite gymnast, and the experiences I shared were the reason for my retirement in January, not a physical injury as was suggested by some at the time.
“My complaint was submitted in accordance with the British Gymnastics complaints policy by a legal team from Irwin Mitchell LLP. After eight months, I’m no closer to having any feedback or outcome.”
Tinkler added that she has no problems with the South Essex Gymnastics Club and thanked coach Scott Hann for his support.
“I’m heartbroken by the stories that have been told over the past week," she said.
“I’m so proud of my fellow gymnasts who have shared their stories, I know how hard it is, and your bravery has been a shining light and inspiration in dark and troubling times for the sport we love.
“It took a lot of support and counselling to build up the courage to tell my story. I would like to thank Scott [Hann] and the team at South Essex Gymnastics Club for everything they did for me, without their help I would never have had the strength to begin this journey.”
British Gymnastics responded: "British Gymnastics received formal notification of a complaint from Amy Tinkler in December 2019 and she provided full details of this complaint to us on 10th March 2020 which then allowed the investigation to proceed.
"It is at an advanced stage and we have kept Amy Tinkler fully informed and provided her with the appropriate support and we will continue to do so."