Ex-gymnast given apology over alleged abuse

Nikki O'Donnell received an apology letter over her accusations of abuse, 16 years after she first complained

A woman from York who first complained of being sexually abused by her sports coach 16 years ago has won damages from the gymnastics national governing body.

Nikki O'Donnell's former instructor, Stan Wild, was expelled as a member by British Gymnastics four years ago.

Mr Wild denies the allegations and has never been charged with a criminal offence.

In a statement, British Gymnastics said junior coaching today was "very different for those involved".

Sarah Powell, the governing body's chief executive, apologised to Ms O'Donnell in a letter in which she said she was "deeply sorry".

The settlement followed the Whyte Review, which was published two years ago and found evidence of systemic physical and emotional abuse in the sport of gymnastics.

Ms O'Donnell, pictured when she was a child, said she had spent more than half of her life battling for justice

Ms O'Donnell waived her right to anonymity to raise awareness of abuse in the sport and fight for justice.

She said the situation could have been resolved a "long, long time ago", adding: "Sixteen years for an apology, that's just ridiculous."

The letter from Ms Powell reads: "I acknowledge and accept the impact the behaviour of your former coach, Stan Wild, has had on your health and wellbeing.

"This should not have occurred in a place where your safe enjoyment of gymnastics as a child should have been fully secured."

Stan Wild carried the Olympic torch through York in 2012 ahead of the Olympic Games in London

Stan Wild competed for Great Britain at the Olympics and ran a gymnastics club in York.

He carried the Olympic torch in the city before the 2012 games.

Mr Wild said he refuted the allegations in the strongest possible terms.

He added: "I have never been charged with any offence by the police in relation to the allegations made against me."

Mr Wild is one of several coaches whose names are on the banned list on the British Gymnastics website for safeguarding reasons.

Ms O'Donnell has called for more information about each banned coach to be made available to help protect children and provide transparency.

She said: "The word 'safeguarding' could mean anything.

"If you have a child who's wanting to start gymnastics, you should be able to get onto the British Gymnastics website and view everything in detail so that you know what you're potentially getting your child into."

British Gymnastics said: "We are listening and seeking wider consultation on what further information may be published in a proportionate and legal way."

North Yorkshire Police questioned Mr Wild following allegations of abuse, but took no further action against him.

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