The English swimming federation has issued an apology and stated that it is "committed to change" after an independent report revealed a "culture of intimidation" in some clubs. The report was based on feedback from a thousand athletes of various ages, as well as parents, coaches, and others involved in water sports.
The report identified five issues that threaten the safety of those involved in the sport. It found that some clubs prioritized performance over the broader positive aspects of water sports, leading to excessive pressure on young athletes and transforming the sport into a "toxic work environment."
The report, commissioned by the English swimming federation, highlighted issues such as bullying and harsh training methods that are not investigated, with parents hesitant to file complaints out of fear of retaliation from coaches. The report also noted that coaches felt they were targets of unfair allegations.
Richard Hockway, the president of the English swimming federation, stated in a statement on Tuesday: "We regret that the culture within water sports has not lived up to the standards we strive for, resulting in negative experiences within our community. In this context, we will take the views expressed about swimming in England in the report seriously. We are committed to change."
He added, "We will now take the appropriate time to develop our next steps. Our goal is simple: to ensure that everyone feels safe, included, and welcomed in our sports." The report also outlined 21 recommendations focused on improving protective measures for athletes.
