Statement: BAC response to culture and welfare allegations within gymnastics“We are deeply troubled to hear the comments made by some British athletes relating to culture and welfare issues within British Gymnastics.No athlete should be expected to tolerate an abuse of power or poor practice. The performance environment should be a place of mutual trust and respect where athletes are supported in achieving their best. The BAC is worried to hear of athlete experiences which appear not to reflect these standards and would urge that any allegations are investigated thoroughly.As the independent membership organisation for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the BAC supports any athlete that does not receive the appropriate duty of care and we urge any of our members, who may have safeguarding or welfare concerns, to contact us so we can provide independent, confidential advice and support if required.”Notes to Editors:

• The British Athletes Commission (BAC) was set up in 2004 as an independent membership organisation to represent the interests of high-performance athletes in Great Britain.
• The BAC provides independent, confidential advice to its members in the areas of mediation, health & wellbeing and integrity issues. It also works to ensure the collective athlete voice is listened to and influential in decision making.
• The BAC currently supports 1200 members from across 40 sports

- END -For further media information please contactHester Brierley on hester.brierley@britisheliteathletes.org or 07912 057204