- rebecca woods
- BBC News, UK
image source, Phoebe Renduyu
Phoebe was contacted by more than 100 swimmers after speaking out about her bulimia ordeal
The first swimmer to speak out publicly about abusive behavior in the sport said he was proud of the “brave” athletes who shared their stories to change the culture of fear.
“All I want is for kids today to love swimming,” she said.
Commonwealth youth gold medalist Phoebe told the BBC in February 2023 that speaking about her ordeal was “daunting and scary”.
“It was a very well-known but taboo issue that no one I swam with ever mentioned,” she said.
Phoebe, who lives in Newcastle, was contacted by more than 100 swimmers, parents and coaches who read her article and shared their stories.
Swim England has since apologized to those who had had a bad experience and commissioned an independent review.
Its damning conclusion revealed that regardless of whether swimmers were suffering physically or mentally, the “performance first” attitude prevalent throughout the sport was paramount.
image source, Getty Images
Phoebe told how her coach pointed to a part of her body and told her to put on weight.
More than 1,000 swimmers, parents, coaches and volunteers participated in the study, with an additional 3,500 completing the survey.
“I'm so proud of everyone's courage in sharing their stories and speaking up about how they feel,” Phoebe said.
“And while I was overwhelmed, I also appreciated the personal messages from people who shared their experiences and thanked me for talking about it.”
Swim England has banned children from being weighed after Phoebe and others spoke out about eating disorders and poor eating habits.
The survey found bullying by coaches and other swimmers was rampant, and said people were afraid to speak up about bad habits for fear of being kicked out of the competition.
Rebecca Adlington said her swimming experience was good, but she often saw people who weren't.
Swim England chairman Richard Hookway said the organization was “committed to change” and “will act on the findings of the investigation, which we fully accept.”
Phoebe said she thought it was “amazing” that change was already happening and said the industry as a whole would learn from the findings.
“We don't want people to be looked at in a negative light, constantly doubt themselves, or be made to feel like they're doing something wrong when they are recognized as talented.” she said.
“I want people to enjoy their entire swimming career, wherever they go, and not leave behind the scars that swimming has inflicted on them like I and many of my teammates did. ”
She goes on to say, “I started swimming in a great environment and I really loved the competitive nature of swimming, and I loved my friends and I loved my coaches. “I want them to have it through this process,” he added.
How the abuse scandal unfolded
image source, Getty Images
Olympian Kathy Patten says coach's comments caused her to suffer from an 'eating disorder'
February 2023 – Phoebe Renderyou goes public for the first time with her story of suffering from bulimia for five years while competitively swimming – including that the swimmer was tested with chocolate cake and was told that she would eat it. Includes anecdotes of people being punished.
February 2023 – Over 100 swimmers, parents and coaches contact Phoebe to share their experiences
March 2023 – Olympic medalist Cathy Patten talks about her struggle with an eating disorder after negative comments from her coach broke her heart – Swimming England apologizes and vows change
June 2023 – Swim England bans weighing of children following multiple reports that weighing children is contributing to anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders
March 2024 – CEO Jane Nickerson steps down and is replaced by Andy Salmon, former CEO of British Triathlon.
March 2024 – Listening review of Aquatic Culture will be published
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