Cycling: The British Cycling Federation is shaken by a scandal in the hot phase of preparations for the Olympics. Former Technical Director Shane Sutton was suspended today after allegations of sexist and anti-disability statements became known in the past few days.
A few days ago, former track runner-up Jessica Varnish gave an interview to the English Daily Mail in which she denounced the sexism allegedly deeply rooted in the British cycling association. After missing out on the British Olympic squad after the World Cup in London, technical director and coach Shane Sutton told her she was too old and should go away and have a baby. She can also compile a list of comments about her character that is as long as her arm.
First, the British FA backed its technical director and dismissed Varnish's allegations. In addition, voices from the environment were loud, the 25-year-old was only frustrated because she would not have been considered for the Olympics in Rio. A short time later, however, she was joined by former professional drivers Victoria Pendleton and Nicole Cooke, who confirmed the allegations made to the Telegraph: "I haven't opened my mouth to this day. But now I just have to do it. I couldn't live with myself if I stood by and watched as they tried to drag Jess [Varnish's] character into the mud. Not if I believe every word she says. My experiences are very similar and I still remember how bad it made me feel." said Pendleton in the interview.
The increasing pressure did not leave the association unaffected either, and so it was now assured that the matter would be taken care of and an investigation initiated. Apparently, however, Varnish, Pendleton and Cooke had unleashed an avalanche, breaking a years-long culture of silence. Six-time Paralympic champion Darren Kenny told the Daily Mail yesterday that Sutton had not only discriminated against women, but had also repeatedly made anti-disabled comments. For example, he regularly described the para-athletes as cripples behind their backs and sometimes forbade them from entering the track. Two other anonymous sources confirmed Kenny's statements.
The British FA reacted today and suspended Sutton until further notice. An independent investigative commission will now deal with the allegations, they said.
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