Over the past week, several British gymnasts have testified to abuse, harassment and weight, which has prompted the English Gymnastics Association to respond and launch an independent investigation.

Susanne Meckbach is a former gymnast herself and has experienced coaches who have been punishing and misbehaving. But she sees a brightening and does not think the abuse is as widespread here in Sweden as it is in the UK and the US.

- Swedish gymnastics has taken a good and important step. It's not like when I was active 25-30 years ago.

Old ideals

When there are problems, it is often about aesthetic, individual sports with points such as gymnastics and figure skating.

- These are sports where you have an old ideal where you have to look in a certain way, have slim bodies that are strong at the same time, says Susanne Meckbach. It is a tough elite venture from a young age where the career can be over at the age of 18.

- If you start when you are four, then you have nothing to compare with. I looked up to my coach and thought it would be so. That you needed to train so to be good. And they never said anything to their parents.

Don't have to quit

One change that has taken place in Swedish gymnastics is that the activities have been broadened and provide opportunities for active people to choose their orientation and level.

- When I was active, it was the best and those who were able to work out six days a week to continue. The others stopped and started with something completely different, says Susanne Meckbach. Now it is more so that you can go down to the training level, and stop competing but still be welcome.

She does not believe in the classic "truth" that one must torment athletes in order to make them better.

- No, there is no scientific support for that. And I hope and believe that one can become just as good by stimulating the person's inner drive instead of using the whip.