Yahoo News Tom Daley’s husband accuses British Swimming of ‘corruption’ and creating ‘toxic environment’ in social media rant
The husband of Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley has accused British Swimming of corruption and creating a “toxic environment” for their family in a social media rant.
Dustin Lance Black launched a scathing attack after the governing body refused to allow him to bring their son to Sunday’s Diving World Series due to a ban on buggies from entering the arena.
The organisation responded saying they were "extremely disappointed" that Tom's husband felt he could not be there, adding that the London Aquatic Centre's policy is not to allow buggies onto the spectator concourse.
Mr Lance Black was reportedly angered by the organisation's inability to offer special dispensation for access to protect their son from press pictures.
Sadly, organisers at @britishswimming have succeeded in creating a toxic environment for our family at their events so we can’t be there in person on this very special London morning. If you are there, please give a big cheer for our @TomDaley1994 for us! 👏
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack)
Daley won gold in the mixed synchro competition at Sunday's event with partner Grace Reid, but the victory was overshadowed by the row between his husband and British Swimming.
Mr Lance Black posted a series of angry tweets accusing British Swimming of “corruption” and "demonisation" of athletes' families when the organisation said they were unable to give him special dispensation to bring a pushchair onto the pool concourse.
Dear @britishswimming, it’s time to start treating families how other nations do: as assets, not obstacles.
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack)
Mr Lance Black wrote on Twitter: “Sadly, organisers at @britishswimming have succeeded in creating a toxic environment for our family at their events so we can’t be there in person on this very special London morning,” Black initially posted on Sunday. “If you are there, please give a big cheer for our @TomDaley1994 for us!"
“Dear @britishswimming, it’s time to start treating families how other nations do: as assets, not obstacles.
“We are so proud of him (Daley)! And want more than anything to be there, but some rather cruel, thoughtless @britishswimming organisers have created a situation that is neither safe nor welcoming for our family.”
British Swimming responded to the comments in a statement to The Independent saying they were "extremely disappointed that Tom’s husband felt that he couldn’t be at the London Aquatic Centre.”
It added: "The London Aquatic Centre's policy is not to allow buggies onto the spectator concourse for health and safety reasons and British Swimming supported this policy to ensure the safety of everyone attending this exciting event."
