Artistic Swimmers Get Apology From National Team After Class Action Lawsuit Surfaces

A national swim team has reportedly apologized in response to a class action lawsuit filed by five former artistic swimmers who say they were subjected to neglect, abuse, racial and sexual harassment.  

“We have problems in our sport and have taken steps over the years to address what has been brought to our attention. Following recent evidence, we understand that this is not enough and we sincerely apologize for that,” said Chief Executive Jackie Buckingham of Canada Artistic Swimming (CAS) in a press release Sunday reported by Queen’s Citizen.  

In addition, Buckingham reportedly committed the CAS to improving “in order to regain the trust of our community,” and pledged to provide more information as well as a revised safe sport plan, according to Inspired Traveler.  

However, the artistic swimmers in the class action lawsuit say the statement is not enough. One of the lead plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit reportedly called the apology and other statements by the CAS “empty shells where no one assumes any responsibility.”  

“What we want is not money. We want a change,” continued the plaintiff, according to Inspired Traveler. “In a class action lawsuit, to put weight, you have to put money, but at the end of the day, that’s not the end. The end is that the culture changes, that there is no other girl living the nightmare that I lived. I don’t wish it on anyone.” 

The class action lawsuit lodged against CAS days earlier claims that coaching staff subjected artistic swimmers to psychological abuse and harassment during training. The plaintiffs are seeking to represent artistic swimmers who trained and competed with CAS between 2010 and 2020. They are claiming $12,000 in damages for each swimmer for each year they were on the artistic swimming team, along with $250,000 in punitive damages.  

The artistic swimmers in the class action lawsuit say they were regularly subjected to harassment, including body shaming. One athlete told CBC News that she was driven to an eating disorder by the tactics used by coaches. She says she tried to quit, but was told she would face a $50,000 fine under her Canada Artistic Swimming contract.  

Other plaintiffs say they suffered under abusive coaches who bullied and insulted athletes with little consequence.  

Indeed, one plaintiff reportedly pointed out in response to the apology offered by Canada Artistic Swimming that three coaches who are the subject of the class action remain, along with CAS leadership.  

Have you suffered emotional or physical abuse while participating in a youth or sports activity? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.  

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