Swimming Australia could be set to bin skin-fold tests, terminology like ‘physique’ and ‘large thighs’ may be banned and quotas for women coaches might be installed, an independent report into the governing body’s treatment of females has revealed.
The release of the report follows staggering social media posts from Maddie Groves, who withdrew from Tokyo Olympic trials “as a lesson to misogynistic perverts and their bootlickers” and in December raised a shocking allegation.
The 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist alleged in an interview with the ABC in December that she had been sexually abused from the age of 13 from a person still working in the sport.
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The independent report urges Swimming Australia to adapt its coaching program in a push to “challenge the misinformed view that lean body predicts performance”, while it’s also advised to deliver “training in using humanising and non-objectifying language in managing body-image concerns”.
One of the most visual lines in the report states that Swimming Australia should eliminate terminology such as ‘large thighs’ in its materials.
“Unjustified routine periodic screening must be avoided,” the report reads.
“Body composition assessment should be conducted at a maximum of twice per annum, unless there is a justified need.
“The term ‘physique’ has meaning and consequences, including over-valuing body shape and size in terms of its impact on performance. It is therefore recommended that SA remove the term ‘physique’ from (its) set of principles.”
It’s advocated that Swimming Australia opts against “using or permitting the use of surface anthropometry, specifically skin folds, as a measure of body composition at any stage of a swimmer’s career”.
The report also pushes for a clearer complaints process, the introduction of a ‘whistleblower’ program, greater diligence in dealing with harassment, stronger character tests for the selection of coaches and a bolstered women’s coaching pathway.
“Swimming Australia (should) commit to never again selecting an all-male team for national and international competitions and ensure that a minimum number of women coaches are included,” the report reads.
“No less than two women when four or more coaches are selected and at least one woman where there are three or less coaches selected.”
Swimming Australia has embraced the release of the report in a statement.
“The feedback was open and frank and there were experiences recounted that were difficult to read,” the Swimming Australia statement says.
“SA wants to reassure those who came forward that the sport is committed to change to ensure these negative experiences are not repeated and apologises unreservedly to those impacted.”
Groves was scathing in June’s social media posts.
“You can no longer exploit young women and girls, body shame or medically gaslight them and then expect them to represent you so you can earn your annual bonus. Time’s UP.”
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