5 days ago
Britain's most prestigious rowing club which has scores of Team GB athlete members is 'plunged into rape scandal'
Britain's most prestigious rowing club, which has produced legions of Olympic champions over the last century, has been rocked by claims it failed to investigate multiple claims of rape and sexual assault.
At least three male rowers are understood to have been accused of raping female club members within the last five years at the club in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The world-famous establishment is considered a 'global leader in rowing', according to Leander Club's website, which adds that members have secured 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1908 - with 62 of these being gold.
Among the damning allegations levelled at the club, as revealed by The Telegraph, are that:
A man raped a female squad member in 2022 and was allowed to continue rowing
A second man was suspended and then excluded following a harassment claim against him. He was readmitted on appeal and later accused of rape by a different female rower
A third man was accused of raping a female rower, who was then forced to participate in a two-week training camp with him
Female squad members, backed by more than a dozen of the male rowers, say allegations of sexual assault were ignored or dismissed by the Leander committee.
They also accused the club of cultivating a culture of sexism and misogyny.
One of the rape allegations, reported in April 2023, related to an incident said to have occurred during a team night out, at a flat in Henley.
The woman, who was 18 at the time, is understood to have spoken to Leander Club and Thames Valley Police. But she subsequently failed to give a formal statement to police and later withdrew her complaint.
According to sources, the woman had found the process too 'stressful and traumatising', but the situation did not end there.
The accused man, who denies any wrongdoing, was allowed to 'train, eat and socialise in the same room as the victim', according to a letter of complaint subsequently sent to the club on October 23, 2024.
Eighteen female and 15 male club members urged Leander to investigate 'multiple, serious allegations' against the individual 'as a matter of urgency'.
Less than two weeks later, on November 6, 2023, chairman Pete Bridge and welfare representative Keith Settle informed members that the matter had been investigated but there was 'insufficient evidence' to progress it to a disciplinary.
Despite a male witness and several women volunteering to provide evidence, none were spoken to before the investigation was closed, it is claimed.
The female victim is understood to have left Leander following the incident.
In a second claim, a male rower is accused of having harassed a female club member. He was suspended, but was allowed to return under appeal.
Another rower then claimed this same individual had previously raped her, but it is believed this allegation was not brought to the attention of the club or the police. The man denies any wrongdoing.
With his appeal still standing, the women's team reacted by boycotting training, before wearing pink instead of traditional white vests when they returned.
They also wore white ribbons as a symbol of solidarity with victims of sexual abuse and rape.
In a third instance, a male rower was accused of rape by a female club member in 2020.
It is understood that after complaining to the club, she then had to attend a two-week training camp with the man she had accused.
Despite the allegations becoming 'common knowledge' among the rowers, members were said to have been left aghast by an after-dinner speech given in 2022 by a veteran club member.
The individual is understood to have made remarks of a sexual nature and referred to his penis during the speech.
Many club members say they have been left feeling uncomfortable and unsupported by Leander in the wake of such accusations.
One told ITV News: 'It's really triggering and makes people not feel safe. We didn't even want there to be men in the gym at the same time as us. We didn't want to represent the same club as people who've been accused of things like that.
'We wanted to say "we're not okay with it, we stand together as a will not stay silent.'
Another said: 'Anyone with talent is protected in the system. People think [rowing' is elitist and it's privileged.
'If you have enough money, enough status, if you're good enough at sport, it's okay.
'We were failed by the very system that was supposed to protect us.'
In a statement, Leander said: 'Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes.
'We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect.
'In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct.
'When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes.'
Mr Bridge, the Leander chairman, added: 'The athletes in our squads are at the heart of this club.
'When safeguarding issues arise, as with any organisation, there is a strict and confidential process that is followed to protect those involved.
'We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success.'
Leander's extensive cohort of champions include Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell, Victoria Thornley and Lola Anderson.
