Discussing safe sport in the digital space: the #gymnastalliance movement

Following the abuse perpetrated by former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, and the subsequent documentary about the case, Athlete A, gymnasts from around the world turned to social media to share their experiences of maltreatment, using the hashtag #gymnastalliance. The purpose of this study was to explore how the gymnast alliance hashtag has been used on Instagram. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted by examining the text and images included in 557 Instagram posts that employed the hashtag. The generated themes included: redress previous silencing, disclosing experiences of maltreatment and their impacts, calling for change, and building a community of support. Findings from the analysis are interpreted using athlete advocacy, maltreatment, safeguarding, and information communication and technology literature. Recommendations are posed for future research and practices to improve safe and accessible disclosure and reporting processes for athletes.