IOWA CITY, Iowa - Gymnasts File Lawsuits Over Abuse Allegations
In a significant move, two gymnasts have filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, claiming that these organizations failed to act on multiple reports of sexual misconduct by coach Sean Gardner. The lawsuits, filed in Polk County, Iowa, highlight a troubling pattern of negligence that, according to the plaintiffs, allowed Gardner to continue working at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute even after complaints were made.
The complaints date back to December 2017, with allegations that Gardner exhibited inappropriate behaviors, such as hugging and kissing young girls. Despite these reports, the oversight bodies did not revoke his coaching credentials or take actions that could have safeguarded the athletes.
Legal Action Following Scandal
This lawsuit is the first civil case stemming from a scandal that has gained notoriety since the FBI arrested Gardner in August for federal child pornography charges. The charges include allegations of secretly recording minors in a bathroom setting, with harrowing implications for the young athletes involved. Furthermore, the complaints allege that the oversight bodies not only missed opportunities to protect the athletes but also failed to adequately investigate reports submitted by parents and other coaches.
USA Gymnastics has publicly stated its commitment to addressing the issues raised by the lawsuits but has declined to comment on ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, the U.S. Center for SafeSport claims it was not officially served with the lawsuit but maintains that the suspension of Gardner had been published in their discipline database, effectively barring him from coaching until allegations resurfaced leading to his arrest.
Personal Stories of Abuse
The plaintiffs, who were both around 11- and 12-years-old at the time they trained under Gardner, have described enduring physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during their time at the gym. They assert that the supposed oversight bodies repeatedly disregarded their claims, enabling a toxic environment for aspiring young athletes. Now experienced college students, they are pursuing legal action not only for personal restitution but in hopes of sparking systemic change within the sport.
One of the plaintiffs, Finley Weldon, reported Gardner's abuse to the police and is now a gymnastic athlete at Iowa State University. Along with 19-year-old Hailey Gear from the University of Iowa, they have teamed up with attorney Elizabeth Pudenz to drive this case forward.
Wider Implications for Athlete Safety
The details emerging from the lawsuits evoke significant concerns about coaching practices and the need for rigorous background checks in sports organizations. Reports indicate that there were significant failings in the way complaints were handled, with allegations about Gardner circulating as early as 2017. Both the federal charges and ongoing lawsuits underscore a critical need for enhanced regulatory processes to protect young athletes from abuse and ensure their safety in training environments.
This case serves as a reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities present in competitive sports and the urgent need for comprehensive policies to safeguard athletes. Victims of such incidents often struggle to overcome psychological and emotional scars, and it's imperative that organizations take a proactive stance in addressing such serious issues.
