A group of more than 70 Canadian gymnasts, including active and retired athletes, have publicly called for an investigation into “abusive practices” within gymnastics in the country.

Athletes who are or have been members of Canada’s Olympic teams said in a letter sent Monday (3/28) to Sport Canada (the country’s Olympic Committee’s equivalent) chief executive, Vicki Walker, that for nearly For a decade, fear of reprisals has kept them from speaking out.

“We can no longer be silent. We present our experiences of abuse, neglect and discrimination in hopes of forcing change,” the letter read. “We urge you to take action to ensure that the next generation of Canadian gymnasts is not subjected to the physical and psychological trauma we have had to endure.”

According to the athletes, several complaints of emotional, physical and sexual abuse have been reported over the years. A good portion of these involved Canadian coaches, who performed the acts even when the athletes were underage.

The gymnasts also asked that the results of the investigations, if any, be revealed to the public and that the identity and anonymity of the athletes be protected.

“We know there are many more examples of harm that have yet to come to light and we know that abusive behavior continues today in gyms across the country. The current board has failed to address these issues and has failed to gain the trust of the athletes.”

In March last year, former Canadian women’s gymnastics coach Dave Brubaker was banned from the sport after Canadian investigations and punished the coach.

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