Former West Country gymnast recalls 'haunting memories' of abuse
A former British gymnast from Trowbridge has told ITV News that speaking about the abuse she says she faced as a young athlete has been an extremely painful experience.
28-year-old Francesca Fox was one of the first of many to come forward and call out a culture of bullying, extreme weight control and fear.
It's after a string of allegations were made by gymnasts about an "environment of fear and mental abuse" in the sport.
The head of British Gymnastics is under growing pressure to resign following the claims.
The allegations brought to light by ITV News have prompted Cartoon Network - a major financial partner - to publicly suspend its partnership with the organisation.
ITV News West Country has now heard from two former gymnasts both who retold their experiences of training as a gymnast from a young age.
Francesca Fox represented Great Britain in the London 2012 Olympics. In an emotional post on her social media pages, she claimed that she suffered 'abuse and weight shaming'.
The 28-year-old told ITV News West Country that she was fat shamed at the age of ten.
She said her 'haunting memories' have taken over her life and recalled being called 'embarrassing and fat' after performing.
British Gymnastics has now pledged an independent review, but there are calls for change at the top of the organisation.
In a statement they said:
"The behaviours we have heard about in recent days are completely contrary to our standards of safe coaching and have no place in our sport.
"However, it is clear that gymnasts did not feel they could raise their concerns to British Gymnastics and it is vital that an Independent Review helps us better understand why so we can remove any barriers as quickly as possible."