- Giaan Rooney calls for change after shocking news
- The report shows that there is a toxic culture towards female athletes
- Retired Australian star wants report to be treated seriously
Former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney has spoken out about the findings of a damning report into the historical treatment of female swimmers within the Australian team.
Swimming Australia received the results of a six-month investigation in December 2021, but the organization refused to release the document in full.
However, the 114-page review was seen by News Corp and the harrowing details were subsequently made public.
The review found that there was a toxic culture towards female athletes, finding that young women were subjected to sexual innuendo, groping, body shaming and mental and physical abuse.
The worrying report found that coaches’ behavior also led to female swimmers developing eating disorders and other mental health problems after public humiliation.
Giaan Rooney (pictured) has responded to a damning report into the shocking treatment of female swimmers within the Australian squad
The report found a toxic culture towards female swimmers on the national swimming team
“It’s being treated very seriously, and it should be,” Rooney told Nine’s Today.
“What I take away from it, I’m so proud of everyone who came forward and passed on their background and what they’ve been through because that would have been a huge step for all of them.
‘I truly believe that we can’t move forward until we know what we are dealing with, and this report has obviously revealed some shocking findings.
‘Hopefully the opportunity is now to change things for the better for all people in swimming.’
Rooney, who won Olympic gold for Australia in Athens in 2004, does not believe the abuse is limited to female swimmers.
“It is an honor for many of our athletes that we have performed so well for so long,” she said.
“It’s important to note that these are not just female athletes, but male athletes as well.
“We’re looking ahead and looking ahead and trying to make sure we can encourage the most attractive sport across the board… we need more athletes than ever before.
Rooney described the findings as ‘shocking’ and said they should be taken very seriously
“It has to start with being an inclusive, happy environment. ‘
Former Olympian James Magnussen has also responded to the damning report, insisting that if the shocking claims are true, the coaches responsible must be rooted out.
“I have never been a fan of putting people down and using negative feedback to achieve results,” Magnussen told SEN 1170.
‘If there are coaches who say ‘your body looks like a sausage roll’ or ‘you’re too fat, skip dessert’, get rid of them.
‘There is no room for that in sports.’