Madeline Groves, an Australian swimmer, has made the daring choice not to compete in this year’s Australian Olympic trials, citing worries about “misogynistic perverts” in the sport. Groves, a two-time Olympic champion, announced her decision on Instagram and expounded on her reasoning in the following tweet.

Groves expressed her thanks for the support she got for her choice on Instagram and stated her ambition to compete in other tournaments later this year. However, in her Twitter message, she addressed the matter directly, noting that her choice should serve as a lesson to anyone in the sports world who indulges in the exploitation, body-shaming, or medical gaslighting of young women and girls. She made it clear that such conduct would no longer be allowed.

Groves earlier admitted on social media that she had received unwanted comments from a “well-known coach. Despite her protests, this coach was eventually promoted, which contributed to her dissatisfaction with how the sport handled such matters.

Swimming Australia, the sport’s governing body, issued a statement in December stating that they had contacted Groves over her social media post about potential abuse. They did note, however, that Groves refused to offer more information and that she had no past complaints on file with them. The organization stressed its commitment to treating complaints of child abuse or sexual misconduct seriously, putting young athletes’ health, safety, and well-being first.

Madeline Groves is a two-time Olympic silver medalist as well as a well-known figure in Australian swimming. Her decision not to compete in the Olympic trials, which are slated to begin in Adelaide, is a huge statement against the sport’s culture of sexism and abuse of women. It has sparked a debate about the importance of openness, responsibility, and creating a safer environment for players across all sports.