SYDNEY, Aug 14, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - An Australian swimmer who opted out of the
Tokyo Olympics to protest "misogynistic perverts" in the sport Saturday said
her stance for cultural change was worth more than any medal.

   Madeline Groves, who won two silver medals at the Rio Olympics, stunned
her teammates when she pulled out of the Australian trials in June.

   She said at the time: "You can no longer exploit young women and girls,
body shame or medically gaslight them and then expect them to represent you
so you can earn your annual bonus. Time's UP."

   Late last year, she took to Twitter with allegations about sexual
harassment, inappropriate comments and body shaming she had faced in the
sport. "We didn't really have a #metoo moment in swimming," she wrote after
tweeting about "a person that works at swimming making me feel uncomfortable
the way they stare at me".

   Following Groves' withdrawal from trials, Swimming Australia set up an
independent panel to investigate issues relating to women and girls, while
admitting "unacceptable behaviour" dated back decades.

   Local media reported another six former swimmers had come forward with
complaints, at least one of which was sexual.

   In her first comments since refusing to compete, Groves said she had been
inundated with support.

   "It was just great to get all that support to be honest, it was a nerve-
racking thing to do," the 26-year-old told the Sydney Morning Herald.

   "It was disappointing to miss out on an opportunity like that (Olympic
trials) but the potential rewards absolutely outweighs the risk.

   "If this independent panel can have some meaningful outcomes that make the
sport safer and more enjoyable for all stakeholders, not just women and
girls, that is more valuable than an Olympic medal."

   Australia's swimmers enjoyed one of their best-ever Olympics, claiming 20
medals, including a record nine golds.

   Butterfly specialist Groves said she had considered trying to qualify for
Tokyo and making her stance on the global stage.

   But she decided against it due to confusion about the International
Olympic Committee's Rule 50, which governs when and how athletes can protest,
and the potential impact it may have had on her teammates.

   Groves has no plans to give up swimming and will depart imminently for
Europe to be part of the DC Trident team in the International Swimming
League.

   She has accepted that she may now be a pariah among certain sections of
the Australian team and coaching staff.

   "But I'm not really worried about that," she said. "I made this decision
based on my own values, I don't expect everyone else to understand or agree
with me."