
MOSCOW, Jun 16The cruelty of British coaches towards gymnasts is connected, among other things, with Soviet teaching methods, follows from the report of the lawyer Ann White, which is published on her website. appeal to athletes by coaches. It examined the testimonies of almost 400 people. According to White, after the collapse of the USSR, many coaches moved to the UK and made «rough methods and a tough style of communication» the norm. how to win medals.These coaches were supposed to be very technically gifted and educated, but perhaps some of them lacked certain interpersonal skills.The most famous aspects of this coaching style can be seen in the documentary called «Beyond» (2017 ) The authoritative style of communication between the coach and the rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun and the uncompromising demands on her physical fitness in training are shown. with the aim of achieving success,» the report says. White notes that the Federation anthem British Gymnastics created a culture where young athletes were starved, humiliated and abused, a system that prioritized the pursuit of medals over protecting children. The report alleges that coaches sat on athletes while stretching, humiliated them in front of their peers, deprived them of food and water, forbade them to go to the toilet, or strictly controlled exit times. Due to strict diets, gymnasts suffered from digestive disorders, which led to mental disorders. It also refers to 30 cases of sexual abuse, but White noted that they were not systemic, and British Gymnastics reacted seriously to them. The report cites the statement of a gymnast who was forced to stand on a balance beam for two hours because she was afraid to try a certain element. Another victim reported that she was tied to bars for a long period of time.

