Gymnasts for Change says it is supporting a number of new complainants who have alleged abuse at the former Olga gymnastics club in Poole when it was run by Brian and Monica Phelps, and has appealed for any further individuals needing its help to come forward.
The campaign network says a number of individuals have contacted it with fresh allegations, in the wake of the claims from one former gymnast of sexual and emotional abuse at the gym from the mid-1970s published in the Guardian and by the BBC in February, but described the information made public as “the tip of the iceberg”.
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Emma Webb (not her real name) had alleged in the Guardian that she suffered physical and emotional abuse at the Phelps-run gym, which began shortly after she started primary school and went on until she was age 12 at the gymnastics and trampolining club. The Phelpses vehemently denied all the allegations of sexual abuse Webb made against Brian Phelps and also denied the accusations of emotional abuse that she made against Monica Phelps. The fresh claims also allege sexual abuse against Brian Phelps and emotional abuse against Monica. In a statement, the Phelpses said they would not comment on the new allegations.
“Gymnasts for Change has been supporting Emma and other gymnasts who claim to have suffered abuse at the Olga club for the past year, along with others who have come forward since the publication and broadcast of the Guardian and BBC Sport pieces regarding Brian Phelps,” a spokesperson said. “The information in the public domain is only the tip of the iceberg, and Gymnasts for Change are here as a safe space for anyone who wishes to come forward to share their stories and connect with our survivor-led network.”
Webb said: “The only light in this horror story is that we have now found each other. The support that comes with that is life changing. It is a story that is not over.”
British Gymnastics, which recently said it remains “committed” to resolving the individual legal claims of up to 40 gymnasts brought against it after safeguarding failures despite frustrations among complainants that only one case has been settled in two years, has echoed the call of Gymnasts for Change. “We continue to encourage anyone who has suffered abuse, including historic abuse such as this, to come forward and speak to relevant authorities,” it said in a statement. “Complaints of a serious and criminal nature should be raised with the police, and we have been liaising with them to help facilitate this for any survivors who have been in touch with us. Above anything else, the safety and wellbeing of gymnasts and everyone involved in the sport remains our absolute priority.”
Dorset police said it “urges anyone who has been the subject of non-recent sexual abuse to please report it to Dorset police. We are committed to supporting victims and holding those responsible to account. Please contact Dorset police via 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.”
