#Becky downie trial#

Thomas said that Downie had missed out after the number of places in the women’s team went down from five to four, and a decision was made to prioritise all-rounders for the team event rather than those with individual specialities. “For me I’m very confident the team were considered on their gymnastic merits and nothing else,” he said. He also denied that Downie had been punished for speaking out.

“The panel viewed that based on current form they hadn’t seen the level of performance required to win a medal.” “Many will have seen some very good performances from Becky in 2019,” he said. However, the British Gymnastics performance director, James Thomas, insisted the decision was based purely on merit. With Becky having criticised the culture in British gymnastics, it’s hard not to assume that their motivation in effectively ending her career is a sinister warning to those who might speak out in future.” “It is incomprehensible why the bars specialist has been dropped in a year she achieved a 6.8 SV in training in what has been touted as one of the most difficult routines in the world. “The decision to exclude her from the Tokyo team is a total shock. “Becky Downie is on world-beating form and easily one of the most talented women’s artistic gymnasts of her generation,” its statement said. The decision was immediately condemned by Gymnasts for Change, a group of former gymnasts – including the Olympians Jennifer Pinches and Hannah Whelan – who are making a group-claim lawsuit against British Gymnastics, alleging physical and psychological abuse. However, a selection panel overlooked her for a place on the four-member team and she has not been named among the three reserves.

#Becky downie trial#

Last month Downie was granted an additional trial following the sudden death of her brother Josh.