Australian sports body apologizes over gymnastics report

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian Sports Commission has apologized to athletes treated inappropriately at the Australian Institute of Sport following an independent review into gymnastics heard evidence of a toxic culture that contributed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse of young athletes. Multiple athletes detailed their negative experiences at the AIS in the report, including the organization’s heavy focus on the ideal body. One interviewee said: “As far as the AIS was concerned, the smaller and more petite you were, the better gymnast you made.” The sports commission said it “offers our apology and ongoing support to former Australian Institute of Sport athletes treated inappropriately in the  past.”