Police say more people have come forward with child abuse complaints against an Olympian from York.
YorkMix reported last summer that Stan Wild, who founded the York City Gymnastics Club in 1974, had been interviewed by police.
It followed complaints to police about alleged sexually inappropriate behaviour by Mr Wild, who is now 77.
Today, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Police enquiries are continuing into child abuse complaints against a 77-year-old man from York.
“Detectives from our Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team interviewed him back in July 2021 following reports made by two women about their experiences in the 1970s and 2000s.
How to contact police
The force asks anyone with information that could assist the investigation to call them on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or make a report online.
Please quote reference number 12210119102 when providing details.
“Since then, a further four non-recent child abuse complaints have been reported to North Yorkshire Police. These are from three women and one man.
“The man was interviewed again by detectives in November and released under investigation while detailed enquiries are carried out.
“All the people who have come forward to make a complaint are receiving specialist support from the police and our partner agencies.”
Not arrested
Mr Wild has not been arrested. He voluntarily attended the interviews with police.
Mr Wild, who represented Great Britain in gymnastics at both the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, was expelled by British Gymnastics last year.
The first complaint against Mr Wild was in 2008 but no action was taken by police. Ten years later, following another complaint, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no further action “due to there being insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Then came news that detectives from North Yorkshire Police had interviewed the former athlete, who represented his country 26 times.
Further support, advice and ways of reporting child abuse
As well as the police and Crimestoppers, please also consider the following for reporting incidents and seeking help:
NSPCC Helplines
Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk
North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP)
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to bridgehousesarc.org
You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at supportingvictims.org or by calling 01609 643100.