THE WFF UK have revoked the professional status of female athlete Nia Hollingworth after what they describe as unacceptable behaviour during the Universe in Las Vegas.
In a video posted to social media, a voice the WFF UK say has been confirmed as Hollingworth likens a fellow competitor to a 'stripper' and asks if anyone had any 'dollar bills'. Hollingworth denies the claims, saying it was her who filmed the video but not her who made the comments.
Hollingworth was one of four UK athletes who travelled to Las Vegas for the WFF Universe last weekend. She finished second in the bikini class but has since criticised the standard of the event.
The WFF UK also claim Hollingworth has refused to pay for services she has used. Hollingworth has also denied these allegations.
Speaking to frontdouble.com on Sunday, October 20, new WFF UK President Kelley Szostak promised not to tolerate any body-shaming within her federation.
The WFF UK has sympathised with competitors, saying they too believe the standard of the Universe show was less than ideal. Hollingworth's coach, Michael Fox, even alluded to that in a social media post when he wrote: "WFF? Yeah, it’s a fitness federation, but if you’re used to competing in the UK… don’t expect the same over there." He ended the post with an emoji showing a zipped-up mouth.
But it is understood the WFF UK are unhappy with the way some people made public their frustration with the show. The WFF UK are also unhappy with the public degrading and mocking of competitors. This includes mocking the New Zealand team, who performed the Haka at the show. The federation are also unhappy, not only with claims of non-payment of services by Hollingworth, but by alleged bragging of her actions to other competitors backstage.
In a statement, the WFF UK said: "The World Fitness Federation UK acknowledges that the experience of the WFF Universe held in Las Vegas was less than ideal for some participants.
"Although the WFF UK was not involved in the planning or execution of the event, we are aware of concerns raised. We would like to reassure the UK bodybuilding community that internal investigations are underway to ensure such issues are properly addressed.
"In particular, the WFF UK has been made aware of the inappropriate actions of one member of the British team who travelled to the event. After conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, we have made the decision to revoke this athlete's professional status.
"This action reflects our continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct within our federation and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for all athletes."
Hollingworth was not named in the statement but, replying directly to the WFF UK's post, she hit back at the punishment. Comments on the statement have since been disabled.
Hollingworth said: "I want to categorically state that I did not make any derogatory comments about a fellow athlete, as has been alleged. Any remarks captured in the video are not mine but were made by individuals in the audience behind me.
"I take great pride in conducting myself professionally at all times and I would never resort to disrespecting a fellow competitor. It is deeply disappointing that these accusations have been directed at me without a thorough examination of the facts.
"As for the allegation of theft of services, I was never informed by either the head promoter, Branko, or the world president, Graham, that payment was required for the services in question. At no point was I asked to settle any fees and I reject the notion that I am responsible for any outstanding amounts."
Hollingworth added: "The overall quality of the event was poor. The lighting was terrible and the treatment of female and international athletes was degrading. We were made to perform routines that felt humiliating – including waving and blowing kisses in a parade-like fashion.
"It was nothing like a modern bodybuilding competition and I felt embarrassed to be part of it. Afterward, though reluctant, I shared a clip of my experience due to the interest it generated. I was careful not to mention names. Instead of taking the feedback constructively, WFF UK responded with threats to revoke my pro status, rather than addressing the concerns of UK athletes."
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