TWO of Olympic bronze medallist Amy Tinkler’s former gymnastics coaches have been suspended following allegations of abuse by the 20-year-old.

Miss Tinkler joined the Basildon-based South Essex Gymnastics Club in 2017 but announced her retirement in January.

She lodged a formal complaint over allegations of bullying and abuse within the sport, although her accusations were not based on her experiences in south Essex.

Two South Durham Gymnastics Club have been suspended as part of an investigation into the claims.

A spokesperson for British Gymnastics said: “Two coaches from South Durham Gymnastics Club are currently suspended.

“Suspension is a neutral act intended to protect both parties in a complaint.

“We’re not in a position to comment further on these suspensions or on any other coaches at the moment.”

Miss Tinkler has said her “experiences as a club and elite gymnast” and governing body British Gymnastics’ handling of her complaint led her to announce her retirement in January.

She spent more than a decade as a young gymnast with South Durham before moving to South Essex.

Paul Anderson, chairman of South Durham Gymnastics Club, said: “At present we are unable to make any comment with regard to the ongoing investigation.”

Miss Tinkler clinched bronze in the floor exercise to become Great Britain’s youngest medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

She was commended by the NSPCC for lodging a complaint about bullying and abuse within gymnastics, which has led to others speaking out.

Louise Exton, the NSPCC’s helpline service head, said: “Amy Tinkler is not alone in her experiences of bullying and mistreatment within gymnastics and it was incredibly brave for her to speak out as well as hugely important.”