Bristol gymnastics coaches suspended amid national abuse scandal

040920- Bristol Hawks Gymnastics club- Google
No details of what has lead to the suspensions have been published. Credit: Google

Two gymnastics coaches who work in a Bristol gym have been suspended by British Gymnastics. 

Helen Potter and Rory Weavers from Bristol Hawks Gym in the Easton area of the city are under temporary suspension. 

In a statement the governing body for Gymnastics in the UK, British Gymnastics said: “Where a complaint meets a certain threshold, we will implement a temporary suspension."

"Suspension is a neutral, non-blame process, to protect both members to whom the suspended person may pose a risk and the suspended person who has had allegations made against them."

"This step does not prejudge the outcome of the complaints process but is a precautionary part of appropriate safeguarding practice.”

No details of the complaint or the complainant/s have been published.

Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane trains at Bristol Hawks and Helen and Rory are her personal coaches. 

Claudia Fragapane in action during the Apparatus Finals in 2019 Credit: STV

Earlier this summer, as gymnasts began coming forward with their experiences of abuse, Fragapane released a statement on Twitter, it said "I've been lucky to have amazing personal coaches who make me feel brave, have a laugh in the gym, they are like my family.

"My coaches are always by my side and support me in everything I do."

The club itself has released a statement following the temporary suspensions.

It says: " Following complaints made to British Gymnastics by former members of Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club, British Gymnastics has decided to temporarily suspend both Helen Potter and Rory Weavers pending an investigation regarding the matters which have been raised."

"This step does not prejudge the outcome of the complaints process but is a precautionary response and in keeping with appropriate safeguarding practice."

"Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club has full confidence in all its coaching staff."


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