Britain's most prestigious rowing club has been rocked by allegations it failed to investigate numerous claims of rape and sexual harrassment.
At least three male rowers are understood to have been accused of raping female members of the Leander Club in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire within the last five years.
Founded in 1908, the club describes itself as a “global leader” in the sport, having supplied more than half of Team GB’s rowers at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On its website, the club said past athletes have secured 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals — with 62 of these being gold.
Notable past champions include Sir Steve Redgrave, the most successful male rower in Olympic history with five consecutive gold medals between 1984 and 2000.
However, the Daily Telegraph reported that a man was allowed continue rowing after he allegedly raped a female squad member.
Sources said the alleged victim failed to give a formal statement to police and later withdrew her complaint because she found the process too traumatising.
Despite witnesses volunteering to provide evidence to the club’s disciplinary, none were spoken to before the investigation was concluded, it was claimed.
It was also suggested that a second man was excluded following a harassment claim against him, was readmitted on appeal and later accused of rape by a different female rower. He strongly denies any wrongdoing.
A third man was accused of rape against a woman, who was then made to participate in a two-week training camp with him.
Female squad members, backed by dozens of male teammates, claim the allegations were ignored or dismissed by Leander’s committee.
They also accused the non-profit of cultivating a culture of misogyny and sexism.
Many Leander members say they have been left feeling unsupported by the club’s leadership in the wake of such accusations.
One told ITV News: “It's really triggering and makes people not feel safe. We didn't even want there to be men in the gym at the same time as us. We didn't want to represent the same club as people who've been accused of things like that.”
Another said: “Anyone with talent is protected in the system. People think (rowing) is elitist and it's privileged. If you have enough money, enough status, if you're good enough at sport, it's okay. We were failed by the very system that was supposed to protect us.”
A club spokesman told The Standard: “The Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes.
“We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect.
“In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct.
“When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes.”
Pete Bridge, the club’s chairman, added: “The athletes in our squads are at the heart of this club. When safeguarding issues arise, as with any organisation, there is a strict and confidential process that is followed to protect those involved.
“We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success.”
Thames Valley Police have been contacted for comment.
