Potential outcomes of interpersonal violence for women's artistic gymnasts: a qualitative analysis

This study aimed to identify, map and provide insight into the potential outcomes former elite-level women's gymnasts associate with their history of interpersonal violence (IV).

The study used a trauma-informed qualitative approach. The sample criterion was women's gymnasts, who had spoken out about IV through social and/or traditional media since the release of the documentary Athlete A. Recruitment occurred purposively through social media; data were generated through online life-history interviews. The interview transcripts were analysed via a hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis.

The study sample included 18 former elite-level women's artistic gymnasts and one former elite-level rhythmic gymnast, aged 20-53, from 12 countries across four continents. The former gymnasts recounted extensive polyvictimisation by their coaches during formative years, which they associated with 54 potential negative and 7 potential not categorically negative outcomes. Their descriptions of the experiences indicate extensive and complexly interconnected potential psychological, behavioural, physical and material/performance outcomes. The younger, recently retired former gymnasts described their experiences in acute terms, the older former gymnasts recounted recurring and new outcomes. The public discourse on IV in women's gymnastics was acknowledged to have facilitated the development of not categorically negative outcomes.

The study provides an overview of potential negative and not categorically negative outcomes of IV for women's artistic gymnasts. The insights allow a nuanced understanding of the long-lasting impact of IV, which can raise awareness and inform education, research and care protocols for victims of IV in sport.