Olympic gold medalist speaks out about how top UK swim coach's regime left her 'broken'
Left: Rūta Meilutytė and Right: Jon Rudd/ Image: Instagram/Linkedin
Olympic gold medalist
Rūta Meilutytė
has revealed to
BBC Panorama
how she was emotionally and mentally shattered by the harsh coaching methods of
Jon Rudd
, a highly regarded figure in British swimming. Meilutytė, who made history at the 2012 London Olympics as the youngest swimmer to win gold in the 100m breaststroke, described Rudd's focus on strict dieting and body image as a key factor in the eating disorder and depression that nearly broke her.
Her experience is just one of many in the wake of Rudd's 28-year tenure as head coach of
Plymouth Leander
, where multiple swimmers have come forward to share stories of bullying, toxic training environments, and a controlling food culture.
The Coach's legacy and allegations
Jon Rudd, who coached at Plymouth Leander from 1989 to 2017, was instrumental in building the club's reputation for producing Olympic champions. However, according to 12 former swimmers, the coaching regime under Rudd was far from nurturing.
These swimmers have accused Rudd of bullying and verbal abuse, contributing to severe mental health struggles. One of the most harrowing testimonies came from Meilutytė herself, who recalled incidents where Rudd made cruel comments about her weight, even laughing when she confided in him about making herself sick after meals to control her weight.
"Well, at least you get the calories out," he allegedly said.
Meilutytė, now 28, reflected on how Rudd's regime 'made me for a while and then it broke me.'
She explained that his comments, including telling her at the age of 16 that her "ass was fat," left lasting scars. Despite these harmful experiences, she acknowledged that Rudd did attempt to offer help once he realized the impact of his words, though the damage was already done.
Swim England
's response and failures
The BBC investigation uncovered that Swim England, the governing body for swimming, failed to take action despite a 2012 investigation that concluded Rudd should be suspended for four months, after hearing from 17 witnesses.
The investigation had been kept secret, only coming to light after a tip-off in 2023. Swim England's current CEO, Andy Salmon, expressed deep regret for the oversight, admitting that he did not understand why Rudd had not been suspended.
He said, "I am deeply, deeply sorry for any harm caused by the failure to act."
Rudd's reputation continued to grow after leaving Plymouth Leander, with him taking up roles including Swim Ireland's Director of Performance Swimming. He is currently slated to become the high-performance director of Saudi Arabia's
Olympic swimming
team.
Rudd did not respond to the BBC's requests for comment.
The wider impact and other allegations
Meilutytė's story is not unique. Olympic bronze medalist Cassie Patten shared with the BBC how Rudd pressured her to train with a shoulder injury, a decision she believes ultimately ended her career. Commonwealth Youth gold medalist Phoebe Lenderyou also revealed that Rudd's regime worsened her struggle with an eating disorder.
The allegations against Rudd were part of a broader pattern of mistreatment at Plymouth Leander, including the case of swimmer Antony James, who represented Team GB at the 2012 Olympics but was later convicted of sexually abusing two young girls.
Some sources suggest that Rudd should have been aware of James's inappropriate behavior, given his long tenure as James's coach.
Swim England is now reviewing over 1,500 safeguarding cases after the failures exposed in this investigation. The governing body is also conducting a broader inquiry into all aquatic sports in the wake of Panorama's findings, with a focus on the toxic culture that has plagued British swimming for years.
Institutional failures and accountability
Plymouth Leander has since distanced itself from Rudd, stating that the club has undergone significant changes in its safeguarding practices. They emphasized that Rudd's employer, Plymouth College, was responsible for overseeing his actions. The college, now under different ownership, also expressed deep concern over the testimonies shared by former swimmers, terminating its partnership with the club in 2024.
Meanwhile, another investigation by Panorama found ongoing allegations of bullying at the Royal Wolverhampton School Swimming Club, where coach David Painter was accused of forcing swimmers to prioritize training over their academic commitments. Despite complaints from parents, Swim England took no formal action, asking the school to resolve the issues independently. Painter, who left to coach in Canada, denied all allegations, calling them "untrue" and defamatory.
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif's medical report reveals she's 'biologically male'
A leaked medical report from the 2023 World Championships has revealed that Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif is biologically male, according to chromosome analysis. The report, made public just days after World Boxing ordered Khelif to undergo sex testing for eligibility in future female competitions, shows she has a male XY karyotype. This revelation challenges the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) earlier dismissal of such tests and has intensified debate over fairness and safety in women's boxing. The findings come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Khelif's participation in women's events, sparking calls for stricter verification procedures in sport. Imane Khelif's medical report contradicts IOC's official position The report, published on the 3 Wire Sports website, states that Khelif's chromosome analysis is 'abnormal' and confirms a male karyotype. It was conducted by Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, a lab accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the International Organisation for Standardisation. This directly challenges the IOC's spokesperson Mark Adams, who had described such test results as 'ad hoc' and 'not legitimate' during a press conference at the Paris Olympics. Image: ReduxxMag/ Controversy around the Imane Khelif's gold medal at Paris Olympic The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif's Olympic gold medal run began as early as her first bout in Paris, where she faced Italy's Angela Carini. Carini, an experienced and respected boxer, was visibly shaken during the match. Overwhelmed by Khelif's strength and intensity, she appeared distressed and left the ring in tears after the fight, later telling media she had feared for her safety. The unease only deepened in the final bout, where Khelif defeated Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting in a dominant display that many felt was physically one-sided. The power difference between the fighters drew sharp criticism, with commentators and athletes calling it 'uncomfortable to watch' and likening it to watching a man beat a woman in the ring. The moment became one of the most controversial of the Paris Games, fuelling an international debate over fairness and inclusion in women's sport. IOC calls findings misinformation IOC president Thomas Bach dismissed the report as part of a Russian-led misinformation campaign, citing ethical and financial issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA), which conducted the tests. Despite these claims, the legitimacy of the Indian lab's certification has increased pressure on the IOC to clarify its position and respond to questions about Khelif's eligibility. Response of World Boxing Federation Following the leak, World Boxing has declared that Khelif must pass mandatory chromosome testing before competing in any future female events. The 26-year-old Olympic champion, who was allowed to compete in Paris due to her female passport status, has so far not provided evidence to confirm female chromosomes. World Boxing now requires all athletes over 18 in its competitions to undergo PCR genetic testing to verify their sex, a measure introduced in response to this controversy. Fairness and safety concerns from athletes and federations The case has raised serious safety and fairness concerns within the boxing community. Opponents like Italy's Angela Carini and Mexico's Brianda Tamara have spoken out about the physical challenges they faced competing against Khelif. Latin American federations have been particularly vocal, urging that women's competitions be restricted to athletes assigned female at birth, in order to protect fairness and athlete safety. Ongoing debate on gender and sport eligibility The Khelif controversy highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding transgender and intersex athletes in competitive sport. It underscores the need for clear, consistent policies that balance inclusivity with fairness and safety. As governing bodies reassess their rules, the case remains a key example of the challenges faced in maintaining the integrity of women's sports. The ongoing debate around Imane Khelif's case brings to light just how complex and emotionally charged the conversation about gender and eligibility in sport has become. At the heart of it are real athletes — women who train for years and step into the ring expecting fairness. Many feel blindsided and unheard when competing against opponents whose physical attributes raise legitimate concerns about safety and equality. This isn't about exclusion, but about protecting hard-won opportunities for women in sport. Khelif's story reminds us that governing bodies must act transparently, thoughtfully, and with empathy for all athletes involved.
Indian Express
37 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO OLYMPICS NEWS Tokyo Olympian wrestler Deepak Punia aims big with change in technique and weight category March 16, 2025 10:33 am Deepa Punia moved up to 92 kg category from 86 kg, says change is till the World Championships Lovlina Borgohain and Manu Bhaker at Adda: 'It's still difficult for women in sports. Even parents are hesitant to let their children pursue sports' September 25, 2024 10:07 pm At an Adda in New Delhi, twin bronze medal-winner in shooting at the Paris Olympics Manu Bhaker and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist in boxing Lovlina Borgohain spoke on their journey, life after the medals and women in sports Paris Olympics: At selection trials, India's shooters better world records, raise hopes May 22, 2024 1:39 pm India has secured 21 quota berths and there is great strength in depth but after two barren Games, it's no guarantee of a rich haul. FIH Hockey Pro League: Indian women find joy after tough few weeks, upset World No 3 Australia in an Olympics repeat February 18, 2024 8:14 am The result on Saturday night in Rourkela doesn't change what happened in Ranchi at the Olympic Qualifiers, but India defeated Australia 1-0 once more, winning only for the second time in the ongoing FIH Pro League season. Hockey: How Manpreet Singh bounced back from World Cup 2023 low to finish year on high as a more complete player December 29, 2023 6:24 pm For some of India's top stars, 2023 was the year when they had to pause, reflect and reboot. In some cases, to recover from injuries; in a few others, to rediscover lost form. All in the hope that when the big day comes, they'll be ready and recharged for the challenge. How Japan's badminton star Kento Momota learnt how to smile after an accident and setbacks November 19, 2023 8:59 am Kento Momota ended his two-year title drought at the BWF Korea Masters in Gwangju. Germany once ruled world javelin. Now, as Neeraj Chopra soars, they plot a return to the top September 03, 2023 10:28 am While three Indians finished in the top-6 at the World Athletics Championships, just one German javelin thrower, Julian Weber, was in Budapest. The Indian Express talks to the three men who led the European country's dominance – Olympic champion Thomas Rohler, world champion Johannes Vetter and Andreas Hofmann – to understand their sudden dip and gradual comeback. ISSF discards rule that pitted top two shooters for gold, goes back to Tokyo format April 12, 2023 5:36 pm ISSF had introduced the additional stage in the finals to decide the winner in pistol and rifle shooting post the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Neeraj revisits Tokyo Olympic Stadium where he created history October 17, 2022 11:11 pm The event also gave Chopra the opportunity to experience the runway of the National Stadium and hurl a javelin again, just like he did on August 4 last year to win India their first-ever Olympic medal in athletics, according to Japan makes arrests on bribery suspicions in Tokyo Olympics August 17, 2022 4:02 pm Takahashi is credited with landing $3 billion in local sponsorships for the Tokyo Games. Japan also is pursuing the 2030 Winter Olympics for Sapporo. Load More TOKYO OLYMPICS PHOTOS Neeraj Chopra, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia: Indian Olympians come home to grand welcome August 09, 2021 8:37 pm The seven podium finishers made their way out of the Delhi airport amid utter chaos. In Photos: Extraordinary Tokyo Olympics draws to close with message of moving forward August 08, 2021 10:56 pm With a large firework display adding a burst of sound to the dancing, singing and merry-making, the Japanese capital pulled the curtains down on one of history's most unique Games. Neeraj Chopra ends India's gold drought in Olympics August 07, 2021 7:16 pm Apart from Neeraj Chopra, India's only previous medals in Olympic track and field were two silver medals won by Norman Pritchard in the 200-meters and the 200-meter hurdles at the Paris Games in 1900 Small details tell Olympian-sized stories August 06, 2021 4:06 pm From Indian archer Atanu Das' small ring cut to look like the Olympic rings to American sprinter Javianne Oliver's perfectly coloured fingernails -- take a look at all these details India at Tokyo 2020: Bajrang Punia, Aditi Ashok keep medal hopes alive August 06, 2021 10:56 pm While India finished fourth in women's hockey, Bajrang Punia stormed into the men's 65kg wrestling semi-final. Aditi Ashok held the second spot in the women's golf event for the third straight day. Tokyo 2020: India add to men's hockey history, win Olympic medal after 41 years August 05, 2021 11:00 am India won their 12th Olympic medal in men's hockey after a wait of 41 years as they claimed the bronze with a 5-4 win over Germany in the play-off match of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Tokyo 2020: India drag-flicks past Australia to book historic semi-final spot August 02, 2021 11:31 am India served up one of the greatest moments in their Games history when the women's hockey team defeated favourites Australia 1-0 to advance to their first-ever semi-final at the Olympics. India at Tokyo 2020: Sindhu bags historic bronze, India hockey team reaches semi-final August 03, 2021 10:15 am PV Sindhu created history on Day 9 of the Tokyo Olympics as she beat China's He Bingjiao to win bronze medal. Women's hockey enters QFs for 1st time in 41 years; losses for Panghal, Sindhu July 31, 2021 9:05 pm The women's hockey team's perseverance was rewarded with a first Olympic quarterfinal berth in over four decades, while discus thrower Kamalpreet Singh rose from relative obscurity to be in contention for a medal but it was a bad day in office for the stars of Indian contingent here on Saturday. India at Tokyo 2020: Lovlina assures second medal, Sindhu moves into semis July 30, 2021 3:20 pm Lovlina Borgohain won her boxing quarter-final to assure India of its second medal at this Olympics. PV Sindhu also showed her class as she stormed into badminton semi-finals, beating Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. Load More
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Boxer Imane Khelif is biologically male, claims leaked medical report
Medical test results from the 2023 World Championships revealed that Paris Olympics women's boxing champion Imane Khelif has male chromosomes, according to documents published for the first time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The disclosure comes just 36 hours after World Boxing mandated sex screening for Khelif's future eligibility in female competitions, adding complexity to the controversial saga surrounding the Olympic gold medallist. The test results published on 3 Wire Sports website, conducted at Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi in March 2023, showed "abnormal" findings stating "Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype." The laboratory is accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. The published documents challenge IOC spokesman Mark Adams's claims, who had described the results as "ad hoc" and "not legitimate" during a Paris Olympics news conference. IOC president Thomas Bach suggested the results were part of a Russian-led misinformation campaign, noting that the International Boxing Association, led by Russia's Umar Kremlev, had lost IOC recognition over ethics and financial management concerns. 'Impossible' IOC Declares Final Standing On Boxing Gender Row Imane Khelif's Father Shows Evidence Khelif, aged 26, has maintained a defiant stance and expressed intentions to win another Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. World Boxing has established new rules requiring all athletes over 18 to undergo polymerase chain reaction genetic testing to determine their sex through mouth swab, saliva, or blood samples. A medical report has been leaked which claims boxer Imane Khelif is biologically male. (Image: 3 Wire Sports) Khelif, who competed in Paris based on female passport status, has not provided evidence of female chromosomes since the controversy began nine months ago. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I don't think I had ever felt like that in my 13 years as a boxer, nor in my sparring with men," said Mexican boxer Brianda Tamara, who fought Khelif in 2022. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep 5: Shane Watson on how IPL gave him a lifeline & his tribute to Phil Hughes Italy's Angela Carini, who faced Khelif, reported being punched so forcefully that she feared for her life. The controversy extends beyond individual experiences. Latin American boxing federations have been instrumental in pushing World Boxing to focus on biological sex for ensuring fairness and safety in women's competitions. The Honduran federation communicated to the Women's Rights Network that "necessary measures should be taken so that only women by birth can compete in women's competitions." The scandal gained additional attention when both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting won Olympic titles in Paris, despite previous IBA bans for not having XX chromosomes. Alan Abrahamson, an American journalist, first revealed during the Paris Games that the IOC had received warnings about Khelif having male DNA more than a year before the competition.
