ASC Issue Apology To Former AIS Gymnasts

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) have issued an apology to former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) athletes that have been treated wrongly in the past.

The apology comes after a recent report from the Australian Human Rights Commission (ARHC) that showed former AIS gymnasts made allegations of bullying and abuse in past practices.

In a statement released today, ASC said past incidents and practices were “not acceptable” and they “admire the courage of people who have come forward to share their stories.”

The ASC have announced a confidential and independent support service for former AIS athletes that had traumatic or abusive experiences with the institute.

The service, AIS Be Heard, is available to any former AIS athletes and staff to share their experiences and seek appropriate support services.

The service will work in conjunction with their current support services and resources which includes the AIS Mental Health Referral Network.

The ASC thanked the AHRC and Gymnastics Australia for undertaking the review and said they were committed to addressing the “unacceptable practices of the past, and to ensure they have no place in Australian sport in the future.”