New details have emerged of the "climate of fear" to which GB Para-swimmers were subjected by former head coach Rob Greenwood, according to Dan Roan of the BBC. Among the findings of a confidential final report, investigators found Greenwood "inappropriately disclosed an athlete's medical information" and banned swimmers from leaving hotels "as punishment." It was also concluded that "there was a lack of nurturing, empathy and appreciation for athletes' general well-being." British Swimming released a statement summarizing the findings of the investigation, but full details of the "heavily redacted final report" have been revealed. One member of staff -- understood to be Greenwood -- was said to have:
- "acted in an intimidating manner towards athletes"
- "used derogatory terms to describe athletes owing to their disability"
- "inappropriately disclosed medical information of a Para-swimmer"
- "asked an athlete to perform a task they were unable to do due to their disability"
It added that "when recounting their experiences ... in the squad under the tutelage" of an unnamed member of staff -- understood to be Greenwood -- "a number of athletes became visibly distressed. Their recollection was vivid and the impact on them palpable" (
BBC, 10/15).
