Sydney, Jul 23 (IANS): Gymnastics Australia has said that it will set up Listening Groups for athletes looking to seek support in the wake of a slew of allegations of emotional abuse by coaches and staff over the years.

Gymnasts have spoken about fat-shaming and other forms of mental and physical abuse that they have had to deal with over the course of their developmental years and their professional careers.

"We acknowledge and applaud those who have spoken up -- their courage and their voice," Gymnastics Australia chief executive Kitty Chiller wrote in a public letter.

"We are here to help you and to support you and we genuinely want to hear about your experiences and your suggestions. We acknowledge that speaking up is difficult. I want you to know that we are here to listen. And we are here to act.

"To this end we will be setting up ‘Listening Groups' so we can hear from our community either individually or in groups, to discuss what support we have in place and how we can further improve," she wrote.

Five-time national champion Mary-Anne Monckton had said earlier that she and other athletes were afraid to speak out.

"I am scared to share my story," she posted on Facebook. "But at some point, someone has to stand up for the athletes. It has been made very clear, that they cannot do this for themselves. The abuse needs to stop or at least be stamped out of our sport."

2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Chloe Gillard detailed on Facebook how she considered suicide after being shamed about her weight. "I felt it was easier to end my own life, than to give in to what they wanted me to be," she wrote.