Dozens of Australia’s former top gymnasts have spoken out to allege instances of mental and physical abuse within the nation’s elite programme.
In stories shared online, many argued that coaches normalised a “toxic” environment.
Gymnastics Australia has acknowledged the allegations, saying it wishes to improve the sport’s culture.
It follows a similar reckoning for the sport in the US and UK, where an inquiry has been launched.
Many of the Australian gymnasts said they had been motivated to speak up following the release of a Netflix documentary about the cover-up of sexual abuse within the USA Gymnastics team.
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The case of Larry Nassar, the US team doctor, gained global attention following accusations from top Olympians. He was jailed in 2018 for molesting hundreds of young gymnasts.
What are the allegations in Australia?
Though none have alleged sexual abuse, generations of former gymnasts have posted publicly about damaging experiences. Their allegations include:
Pressure over their weight and incidents of food deprivation; some detailed experiences with bulimia
Pressure to train and perform through injuries such as broken bones
Being coerced to perform stunts beyond their ability
Widespread violations of adult-child supervision guidelines
A “toxic” environment of criticism and negativity
Chloe Gilliland, a gold medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, said she had felt depressed and anxious at her “peak”, and left the sport for her own wellbeing when she was 17.