Canadian gymnasts call for investigation into sport’s ‘toxic culture’

• Athletes say sport in their country is rife with abuse
• Allegations include incidents of emotional and sexual abuse

A group of more than 70 current and former Canadian gymnasts have called for an independent investigation into what they described as a toxic culture and abusive practices" within their sport in the country.

The gymnasts, who are and have been members of the Olympic team and national team, said in a letter sent on Monday to Sport Canada's director general Vicki Walker that for nearly a decade the fear of retribution prevented them from speaking out.