Australia's Madeline Groves drops out of Olympic swimming trials over 'misogynistic perverts'

Swimmer Madeline Groves announced Wednesday that she will not compete at the Australian Olympic trials this year, citing "misogynistic perverts" in the sport.

The two-time Olympic medalist took to Instagram with her decision and further explained her reasoning in a later Tweet.

"I’m so grateful to feel so supported in this decision. I feel very relieved and I’m looking forward to racing at some other competitions later in the year," Groves wrote on Instagram.

"Let this be a lesson to all misogynistic perverts in sport and their boot lickers - 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," she stated on Twitter.

Last year Groves shared on social media that she received inappropriate comments from a "well-known coach" but despite her complaints, he was later promoted.

The governing body, Swimming Australia, released a statement in December saying it reached out to Groves to inquire about her post on social media that referenced potential abuse, but "Maddie declined to provide further information," and they did not have "previous complaints on record from Maddie."

Swimming Australia added: "All allegations concerning child abuse or sexual misconduct are taken seriously by Swimming Australia.

"We consider the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as paramount, and we have a duty to make inquiries to uphold the standards of our sport."

Groves won silver in both the 200 meter butterfly and 4 x 100 medley at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Australia's Olympic trials begin Saturday in Adelaide.

Contact Analis Bailey at [email protected] or on Twitter @analisbailey.