We are former gymnasts who represented Finland in the rhythmic gymnastics national team in the 1990s and 2000s and competed at the national level. We competed both as individuals and in teams in junior and senior leagues (over 14 years old). Each of us has our own individual story in gymnastics, but almost all of us share different mental and/or physical traumas from questionable training methods. After reading Riikka Smolander-Slotten’s article (16.11.2022) regarding the improper treatment of athletes in rhythmic gymnastics training, we gathered to exchange experiences from our own gymnastics years and their consequences. Almost 30 former gymnasts have gathered together, which is a remarkably large group, considering the small number of fans of the sport in Finland. The open letter deals with our experiences with the sport and is not aimed at any individual coach.
We can easily identify with the stories of athletes 20 years younger than us in the story of the article. Already in the 90s, the culture of rhythmic gymnastics included a wide variety of inappropriate activities. When we were children, unreasonable demands and questionable means were part of our everyday life for years. Constant dieting, body and weight monitoring, missing periods, humiliating comments, enduring pain, stress fractures, infections, injuries, massive training volumes, sick training and competition, and exhaustion and overfit caused pressure. Various forms of subjugation, humiliation, bullying and harsh coaching methods practiced by the coaches were also common, which even targeted pre-pubescent children.
In our time, several coaches practiced coaching methods that caused deep traumas, and a large part of them continue to work in the sport. The ideals of the sport demand so much from children and young people that success has also been pursued through unethical means. The sport has attracted too many adults who are capable of indecency towards children. Of course, the sport also has good educators who prioritize the child’s well-being, especially at the lower levels, but at the top, the coaching culture is tough. Understanding grievances has been a slow and difficult process as an adult, because during the hobby, the reasons for problems were often sought in the gymnast herself. We also learned to hide the problems of gymnastics culture.
The atmosphere of silence and fear prevailed already in the 90s. Consequently, the inappropriate coaching culture has been allowed to continue for decades, and this has not been addressed enough by the Gymnastics Federation or the Olympic Committee. It is difficult to understand the inadequate actions of various parties and responsible persons, especially when worrying examples have emerged over the years and become public. It is still unclear who bears the responsibility for the inappropriate behavior highlighted in the article.
The responsibility of the harmful culture has not been recognized, which is why gymnasts are often left alone to cope with the consequences after the end of their sports career. In addition to eating disorders, many of us have suffered for years after sports from various body image disorders, self-esteem problems, depression, and panic and anxiety disorders. The physical requirements and the methods aimed at them left behind, in addition to stress injuries, e.g. hip and back injuries that affect everyday life, as well as changes that hinder the normal functioning of the body, for example in range of motion.
Achieving the ideal image of the sport with healthy methods is only possible for a few individuals. Succeeding at the top requires unreasonable performances and goals from gymnasts at a very young age, the pursuit of which can cause them long-lasting and negative consequences. Repeated experiences of criticism and unworthiness alone are harmful to a growing child and young person. If the ideal cannot be achieved in a safe growing environment, it should definitely be changed. It is obvious that success in rhythmic gymnastics has been pursued without caring about the well-being of children and young people, not to mention a safe growth environment where they are listened to as individuals and talk about hopes, challenges or the future. When it comes to the activities of children or young people, the responsibility for their well-being always rests with the adults.
In our time, the methods of the former Soviet countries were idealized in the training culture of rhythmic gymnastics. We have been shocked to learn that the coaching methods have still not been updated to meet modern values and perceptions. It is clear that gymnasts are not treated individually, with enough listening and respect, because sad examples of mistreatment are still coming to light.
Given the culture of silence that has always existed in gymnastics, sharing one’s story publicly takes enormous courage and shows care for future gymnasts. We want to show our support to everyone who has experienced inappropriate behavior in the field of gymnastics, as well as to these former gymnasts who dared to tell about their experiences. We want to bring out alongside the stories of young people the decades of trauma that followed us, which the gymnastics culture left behind.
We hereby appeal to the Finnish Olympic Committee, the Gymnastics Federation, gymnastics clubs, the Ministry of Education and Culture, sports financiers, parents of athletes and those working and influencing the sport: The problems, structures and actors related to the coaching of rhythmic gymnastics, which enable the systematic endangerment of a child’s growth and development, must be dealt with very seriously . Children and young people who practice gymnastics must be able to practice and grow in an environment that is safe both psychologically and physically. Although some gymnasts have not personally experienced the negative effects of gymnastics, it does not eliminate the need for change. Basically, every child’s development and well-being should be protected also in their hobbies. Currently, the child’s right to the protection and care necessary for his well-being is not realized in rhythmic gymnastics.
Noora Geagea, rhythmic gymnast 1990-1996
Kati Haahti-Työppönen, rhythmic gymnast 1986-1993
Inkeri Helenius, rhythmic gymnast 1989-1997
Heidi Hopea, rhythmic gymnast 1987-1997
Mari Jakomäki, rhythmic gymnast 1986-1996
Heidi Järvinen, rhythmic gymnast 1987-1998
Hanna Koskenranta, rhythmic gymnast 1986-1996
Mari Kulmala, rhythmic gymnast 1984-1994
Heini Lukkari, rhythmic gymnast 1985-2000
Maija Mustonen, rhythmic gymnast 1989-1998
Hanna Neugebauer, rhythmic gymnast 1987-1997
Maria Ovaskainen, rhythmic gymnast 1987-1998
Elina Paija, rhythmic gymnast 1992-2001
Inu (Irina) Pelli, rhythmic gymnast 1985-1992
Laura Pietiläinen, rhythmic gymnast 1989-1999
Heta Sainomaa, rhythmic gymnast 1992-1998
Petra Solar, rhythmic gymnast 1990-2000
Minttu Somerjoki, rhythmic gymnast 1991-1998
Sanna Taanila-Seppänen, rhythmic gymnast 1988-1998
Hanna Thure, rhythmic gymnast 1989-1996
Noora Welling, rhythmic gymnast 1988-2001
In addition, 3 former gymnasts who wish to remain anonymous.