Researcher: Abuse in gymnastics is a global problem

Natalie Parker-Ruschte has a gymnast background and coach in artistic gymnastics since her upbringing in Switzerland. Today, she’s an associate professor of sports science at the University of Örebro and researches misconduct in gymnastics—a global problem.

– It’s certainly not just a Swedish problem. It has been a global problem for decades. It is a pattern that repeats itself: children who start gymnastics at a young age and, if chosen, end up in elite programs where injuries are not taken seriously, leaders commit violations and where the consequences are about the same: short-term physical injuries And the long, eating disorders, mental illness, and more, says Natalie Parker-Ruschte.

Acceptance and normalization – so it’s hard to say

At the same time, something has changed in recent years. More and more gymnasts are choosing to go public and testify about what they have been through, a kind of metoo gymnastics that has swept the world (see fact box).

Recently, in the summer of 2020, the head of elite sports and two coaches of the national team in rhythmic gymnastics were suspended in Switzerland, following alarms from gymnasts in the media.

So why is this such a widespread problem? According to Natalie Barker-Tuchti, there are several reasons.

The first is that at the social level there is an acceptance of this type of behaviour. This is what is expected of such an environment. It’s normal, so there’s nothing to question or change. The rule is that this is required to achieve success and results.

At the organizational level, there is also a conflict of interest. Sports organizations are responsible for the athletes, but they also contribute to violations or abuses because they set sporting goals and give the most money to those who succeed. That is, the sports results are higher than the other criteria.

“If you don’t accept it – don’t come here”

Another explanation, the researcher says, may be that leaders have a high position.

– Leaders often have a very high status because they have a unique competence: they can lead the player to success. Therefore, it cannot be replaced by anyone. It can be helpful not to ask what happens to the athlete or their parents, says Natalie Burker-Rucci.

In addition to her research role, she is a member of Safesport Sweden, an independent organization working to create safe sporting environments.

How much responsibility do sports federations bear?

It seems very difficult for unions to admit that they are contributing to this. They are the ones who created this system. They try to save face and sweep under the rug. Sometimes they blame the coaches or even the parents. There is a lot of feeling: “That’s it, if you don’t accept it – don’t come here.”

In an interview with SVT Sport earlier this week, as part of our larger review of leadership culture in Swedish rhythmic gymnastics, the general secretary of the Swedish Gymnastics Association answered how they approach these questions. Take part in the interview here.