The disturbing allegations of bullying and abuse made by gymnasts of all levels, parents and others within gymnastics community - allegations made in the media or to the helpline setup by the British Athletes Commission (BAC) and National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) - prove that there is a real demand for an independent body that supports British athletes.

From my perspective, and the perspective of many other athletes, it is a sign of great progress that we now have an organisation that exists such as the BAC. This is an organisation that is not involved with the performance programme, who is trusted, can provide a listening ear and provide impartial advice on an issue that an athlete might have. Its arms-length distance from the performance programme in this country is testament to why its role has grown in recent years, and why so many athletes are now turning to the BAC for support and advice. 

Whether it be grievances and disciplinaries, disputes, classification issues, event selection, mental health, anti-doping or its role in promoting the athlete voice, the BAC is helping ensure that athletes are at the heart of decision-making across sport. In fact, it’s my view that a more streamlined and connected British athlete voice - in what can sometimes seem a fractured landscape with the plethora of Athlete Commissions out there - is essential to a successful British sporting system.

Personally, I was fortunate to have an all-round positive experience in sport throughout my career, however I appreciate that’s not the case for all athletes - in fact the evidence is compelling that it’s absolutely not. That is why I believed it was important to join the BAC as an Athlete Ambassador.

The notion of an athlete representation body is relatively new in the United Kingdom, though that stands in stark contrast to a country such as the United States, which has a long-established unionised culture within sport. With welfare, wellbeing and athlete transition now considered fast-growing topics on the sporting agenda here, however, that idea has changed fast; and as issues in sport continue to come to light, it is clear to many that a neutral body that can be there for impartial advice is essential to installing confidence in the athlete community. This at a time when, worldwide, athletes are questioning the ability of the authorities to consider the athlete voice and remain "in touch" with athlete sentiment on the issues that matter to them. Some sports have, of course, made progress in creating frameworks and channels for athletes to express their views and voices. We must see this trend become the norm in every sport, and that’s why, I believe, an increasingly independent body that covers all sport is now more essential than ever.

The BAC’s significance and the athlete demand for such a body has naturally grown since it was first established back in 2004. Back then, resources were limited and the BAC, by its own admission, did not have the capacity or resources to do the job required. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that many athletes did not at that time know the BAC’s purpose. That has changed, and its reputation is now growing. However, if we at the BAC are to continue to satisfy athlete demand, we need to continue to build capacity and ensure greater independence if we are to improve further and continue to garner the support of increasing numbers of British athletes.

If you take behavioural and welfare issues alone, it is apparent that this is becoming a growing issue for the BAC to tackle. Amongst our members, who are World Class Performance-funded athletes, in 2018 and 2019, these areas covered 15 per cent of BAC cases. In 202, that number is already at 21 per cent. It’s clear the direction of travel, and that requires greater resource. 

As with any sport, whether it be gymnastics or another, it is important that allegations are investigated, however sensitive their nature. For British athletes, it is essential they remember they have an organisation that is here to listen to their concerns and address them appropriately.

For the gymnastics issue that has dominated the sports news agenda lately, the helpline the BAC and NSPCC setup is a great first step in what will soon be a broader Athlete Support Unit the BAC for athletes of all levels. 

I encourage any gymnast, parent or member of the British gymnastics community that has concerns surrounding bullying or abuse to call the helpline on 0800 056 0566 between 8am to 10pm weekdays, or 9am to 6pm weekends. Those handling calls will listen to your concerns, give advice, answers questions and take action if necessary by referring your concerns to the relevant agencies including, if necessary, the police. 

We all have our part to play in making sport a positive, happy experience and, by calling in, you can play your part in transforming a positive culture for gymnastics - and British sport more broadly, for the athletes of tomorrow.