GB Badminton vows to investigate allegations of toxic environment in sport

[ad_1]

British badminton chiefs have vowed to launch an investigation into allegations of a toxic environment in sport following a controversial Olympic selection process.

Rio bronze medalist Marcus Ellis said players were forced to operate in a hostile and lukewarm environment, while his mixed doubles partner Lauren Smith accused the governing body of fostering a domineering culture.

The duo’s anger follows the decision to deny Ellis and his men’s doubles partner Chris Langridge the chance to build on their bronze medal in Rio, in favor of the relatively untested duo Ben Lane and Sean Vendy.

Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge will not have the chance to capitalize on their bronze medal in Rio (Martin Rickett / PA)

GB Badminton said in a statement he was ready to engage with affected players upon their return from Japan and had referred to funding body UK Sport.

The statement read: GB Badminton is committed to fully engage with all players upon their return from Tokyo to listen, understand and tackle head-on any challenges that may exist within an individual player program or the larger program itself.

In addition, GB Badminton has already asked UK Sport to launch a cultural health check which will take place as soon as possible after the Games.

The situation we find ourselves in now is very disappointing and a major distraction for all involved with the players, coaches and the support team of the GB badminton team and all parties recognize that the only concern, at the moment, must be to prepare to arrive in Tokyo in the best physical and mental condition, ready to make the pride of Great Britain, as we did in Rio 2016.

Ellis, who will compete in mixed doubles alongside Smith, told the BBC: All the athletes preparing for the Olympics are now in this hostile and lukewarm environment where half of us can’t even communicate with each other. because the waters are so muddy.

Ellis and Langridge won an initial appeal against their omission from the Games, but this was overturned by an independent panel, which found that the governing body had properly adhered to its published selection protocols.

The story continues

In a statement on his Instagram account, Langridge wrote: Other players have, in recent weeks, spoken out about the toxic and unfavorable environment at the center.

I too felt saddened and failed by this organization, there were many times at the center where I was not trained because I was not considered a top player even after some of the results that I got.

The frustration I experience with how the selection process ended is something I will learn to live with. I am really sad that this is how my career for a sport that I love so passionately and for which I have given so much can end.

[ad_2]