Casting an unabashed expression of deep concern and disappointment, esteemed Australian swimming icon, Dawn Fraser, advocates for significant reform following the shock revelations unearthed by an independent review. The startling findings include flagrant instances of body shaming, unwarranted touching and the glaring underrepresentation of women in coaching roles within the aquatic sphere.
A comprehensive reading of the 114-page review, dubbed ‘Beneath the Surface: The experiences of women and girls in swimming,’ released in December 2021, discloses disturbing accounts of young girls being the victims of body shaming. The severity of this issue is such that these girls did not feel secure enough to report such incidents.
Fraser, the proud recipient of four Olympic golds on behalf of Australia, admitted that she had been privately approached by distressed young swimmers revealing similar unsettling experiences. Her counsel to those who have been subjected to any form of inappropriate behavior is to voice their concerns fearlessly.
Expressing her anguish over the revelations, Fraser shared, “A couple of young girls, barely 14 or 15 years, have confessed to me that they’ve been ridiculed by their coaches for being ‘too fat’. When I inquire if they reported these incidents, they admit to being too intimidated to do so. My advice to them remains the same – do not be scared because I am here to support you. It’s imperative to speak up and be assertive.”
The report disconcertedly pointed out the inequality in coaching representation, especially given the historical and ongoing triumphs of Australian women in swimming. The stark example of this was the absence of any women on the coaching panel of the swim team for the Tokyo Olympics. Fraser strongly believes that this situation must be rectified promptly to foster a secure environment.
Expressing her disenchantment with the management of Swimming Australia, Fraser conveyed, “The organization is in considerable trouble. It’s high time we acknowledge the contributions and roles of women in our sport. Women coaches, who despite their credentials, are systematically overlooked for international assignments require our immediate attention and recognition. The success garnered in the sport is more attributable to the women in the field than is acknowledged.”
Distressed by the revelations, Fraser calls for urgent rectification of systemic issues in the sport, stating, “Hoping for change is not enough. Change is mandatory to prevent the potential loss of budding swimmers and to ensure the continued vitality of the sport. It’s clear the swimming governing body needs revamping. We must have a representative who prioritizes the welfare of the swimmers over the institution and its top management. After all, the swimmers form the cornerstone of any organization.”
