Chinese child gymnasts being ‘abused’

CHINA’S treatment of young gymnasts being trained for the 2008 Olympics has been put under the spotlight after Matthew Pinsent was left “shocked” and “disturbed” by what he viewed as child abuse on a visit to a gym in Beijing.

In a report for the BBC on China’s preparations, the four-time rowing gold medallist described children in pain while performing gymnastics and claimed a boy had been beaten by his coach leaving red marks on his back.

As a former member of the IOC and current member of the British Olympic Association the words of Pinsent will carry weight in the international sporting community.

However, the IOC have said it is “inappropriate” to comment on his remarks but warned physical abuse in sport is against Olympic values.

Pinsent said: “It was a pretty disturbing experience. I know it is gymnastics and that sport has to start its athletes young but I have to say I was really shocked by some of what was going on.

“I was wondering whether the western approach compared to the eastern approach is a bit different but I do think those kids are being abused.”

Pinsent felt children were being pushed beyond acceptable limits in pursuit of excellence.

He added: “When I talked to the vice-principals they said hitting was against the law, but then there were parents who want you to do it. They said this is what they needed to do to make them hard.”

Three days ago the IOC’s medical commission published guidelines on the training of elite child athletes.

IOC communications director Giselle Davies said: “Without question, physical abuse in sport goes against all Olympic values. It is important, however, that on this important issue, people do not jump to conclusions, but make judgements on clear facts.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on Matthew Pinsent’s remarks which the IOC has only heard third hand and understands are more a personal interpretation.

“What can be said, however, is that only last week, a group of international Olympic sports journalists were in Beijing visiting the national training centre where they had free access to meet and interview athletes, including gymnasts, and were very impressed with the people they met and the training they saw.”