MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- Several gymnasts are accusing a famous coach in Huntersville of verbal and physical abuse.

• Qi Han, a gymnastics coach in Hunerstville, has been accused of verbal and physical abuse.
• Han's gym denies the allegations.
• Other gymnasts blame "culture" for continuing problems. 

In a recent New York Times article, gymnasts accuse Qi Han, the head coach and owner at Everest Gymnastics, of abuse including slapping a teammate, and even kicking a girl at a competition. 

Several people say these allegations are not new, but are just now making headlines. 

Monica Avery, the co-owner of Osega Gymnastics, says the culture of the sport teaches athletes to be tough, discouraging them to come forward with their problems. 

"From a young age, children are taught to be seen and not heard. They're taught to follow authority. They're taught to respect their coaches and their teachers," Avery says. "It's not until these women are young adults that they realize wait a second, what happened was wrong."

Everest Gym released a statement denying the allegations Monday, saying no allegations have been brought to the gym through USA Gymnastics. The gym says they are prepared to defend themselves through a court of law and USA Gymnastics.