Swimmer Madeline Groves declared on Wednesday that she would withdraw from this year’s Australian Olympic trials, blaming the sport’s misogynistic perverts.
The two-time Olympic medalist announced her decision on Instagram and elaborated on her rationale in a subsequent Tweet.
Madeline Groves said that she is very appreciative of the support she has received in making this choice. She stated that she is relieved and looking forward to competing in some further tournaments later this year.
On Twitter she said that this serves as a lesson to all sexist perverts in sport and their bootlickers: You cannot abuse girls and young women, medically gaslight them or body shame them, and then insist them to represent you in order to earn your yearly bonus. The clock is ticking.
Groves reported on social media last year that she experienced unwanted remarks from a well-known coach, but he was eventually promoted despite her accusations.
Swimming Australia’s governing organization issued a statement in December stating that it contacted Groves over a social media post referencing possible abuse, but Maddie refused to offer any information, and they did not have prior complaints on record from Maddie.
Swimming Australia added that it takes any claims of child abuse or sexual misconduct seriously.
The organization said that it looks after the welfare, safety, and well-being of children and adolescents, and we have an obligation to conduct investigations to respect our sport’s standards.
Madeline Groves earned silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 200-meter butterfly and 4 × 100-meter medley relay. Australia’s Olympic trials begin in Adelaide on Saturday.
