More than 220 calls alleging abuse in British gymnastics have been received on a special hotline set up by the NSPCC – with more than half considered so serious they have resulted in a referral to the police or social services. The hotline was set up in July after dozens of gymnasts spoke out against abuse in the British system, including the world championship medallists Becky and Ellie Downie who said “cruel” behaviour was “so ingrained in our daily lives that it became completely normalised”. The NSPCC and the British Athletes Commission (BAC), who set up the hotline, found that allegations of mistreatment were made at all levels of the sport. “Since allegations of abuse and mistreatment from high-profile athletes shook the foundations of gymnastics in the UK, we’ve heard from more and more people with similar experiences,” said Louise Exton, NSPCC helpline service head. “It is crucial that everyone has their voices heard to be able to better safeguard future generations and our joint helpline with the BAC has been vital in enabling this to happen.” Among the stories heard by the NSPCC was from a mother who said that her young child had developed mental health issues because of her treatment. “My daughter attended a gymnastics club from the age of five until she was seven,” she told them. “During the two years that she was there she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. The coach screamed and shouted and pushed her to the floor even when she was crying. “The coach told my daughter that if she complained to her parents, she would be made to train even harder. Other coaches saw these incidents and never intervened. My daughter has since developed mental health issues and anxiety.” Evidence from the calls has also been submitted to an ongoing review, led by Anne Whyte QC, which is investigating allegations of mistreatment. Another 34 callers have also been referred to the BAC for support, including online therapy sessions. The chief executive of British Gymnastics, Jane Allen, announced she would retire in October, while the women’s head coach, Amanda Reddin, has been placed under investigation following several allegations about her conduct. They include claims by the British gymnast Ruby Harrold, who accused Reddin of presiding over a “culture of fear” at Lilleshall, and described food portions that left her and her fellow gymnasts hungry. Reddin has denied any wrongdoing. The claims made against her are part of the Whyte review, which will report later this year. The dedicated helpline will close in March but Exton urged people to get in contact with the NSPCC directly if they needed to after that date.