Pinsent shock at way China treats gymnasts

China's treatment of young gymnasts being trained for the 2008 Olympic Games has been put under the spotlight after Matthew Pinsent was left "shocked" by what he viewed as child abuse on a visit to a Beijing gym.

In a report for the BBC on China's preparations, the four-time rowing gold medallist described children in pain while performing gymnastics and also claimed a boy had been beaten by his coach leaving red marks on his back.

As a former member of the International Olympic Committee and current member of the British Olympic Association the words of Pinsent will carry considerable weight. However, the IOC has said that it is "inappropriate" to comment on his remarks.

Pinsent said: "I know it is gymnastics and that sport has to start its athletes young but I have to say I was really shocked by some of what was going on... I do think those kids are being abused." He felt children were being pushed beyond acceptable limits.

The IOC communications director, Giselle Davies, said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on Matthew Pinsent's remarks which the IOC has only heard third hand and understands are more a personal interpretation."