Australian gymnastics: Former athletes speak out on ‘abuse’ culture

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.