Gymnastics Ireland staff taking anti-racism training after black girl left out of medal ceremony

File picture: Getty 

Anti-racism training has taken place at Gymnastics Ireland following an incident in which a black gymnast was the only child not given a medal during a prize-giving ceremony.

The controversy occurred in September 2023, when video footage of the incident emerged.

The girl’s parents had lodged a complaint with Gymnastics Ireland after the GymSTART medal ceremony event went viral online.

The allegation was investigated by Gymnastics Ireland and according to the body, both sides to the dispute engaged in a mediation process facilitated by Sports Disputes Solutions Ireland. This process resulted in a mutually agreed resolution in August 2023, the body said.

A video of the medal ceremony was viewed millions of times online and sparked an international backlash against the Irish association, including from one of the world’s greatest-ever gymnasts, Simone Biles of the US.

Biles made contact with the girl after the video emerged.

An equality review undertaken by Gymnastics Ireland of its services has now been published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which invited the sports body to undertake such a review in February 2024.

The review reveals a new diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategy has been completed, while a new DEIB sub-committee was put in place to oversee the roll-out of the strategy.

A safe sport and integrity manager has been appointed, while anti-racism and unconscious bias training has been rolled out to all staff and board members.

Gymnastics champion Simone Biles contacted the girl after the video emerged. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

In commending the body for its actions, IHREC said Gymnastics Ireland planned to build on the recommendations in the equality review, “including the preparation of a new transgender and non-binary inclusion policy”.

IHREC chief commissioner Liam Herrick said: “The achievement of equality of opportunity requires continuous and ongoing work and it is positive to see that Gymnastics Ireland has put in place a strong policy and procedural framework to protect and promote this. The commission hopes that the implementation of this new framework in practice will ensure equality of opportunity for all.

“Sport is an important part of the fabric of our society, and sporting organisations have an important role to play in promoting and protecting equality amongst their participants.”