In brief
In a groundbreaking legal move, two former gymnasts have initiated lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, alleging they failed to address clear signs of sexual abuse by coach Sean Gardner. The complaints indicate that despite numerous reports of inappropriate behavior dating back to 2017, no substantial measures were taken to protect young athletes. The lawsuits detail disturbing accounts of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse experienced by the plaintiffs, now young adults, during their formative years at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (Civitas.Global) — Two gymnasts who allege they were sexually abused at an elite gymnastics academy in Iowa have filed lawsuits against the sport's governing bodies, claiming they ignored repeated warnings regarding the conduct of former coach Sean Gardner.
The lawsuits, lodged in Polk County, assert that USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport were first alerted in December 2017 about Gardner's inappropriate interactions, which included hugging, kissing, and other grooming behaviors while he coached at a gym in Mississippi.
According to the lawsuits, the oversight organizations failed to conduct thorough investigations, revoke Gardner's coaching credentials, or report his misconduct to law enforcement, which enabled him to secure a coaching position at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018. The plaintiffs assert that despite further complaints, Gardner continued to exploit and abuse young girls at the academy.
Founded by renowned coach Liang “Chow” Qiao, known for coaching Olympic champions, Chow's Gymnastics is now facing scrutiny as a result of the allegations. The recent filings represent the first civil cases linked to the abuse scandal that surfaced following Gardner's arrest by the FBI in August.
Both victims, now college students, reported enduring various forms of abuse, including physical and emotional maltreatment, during their early training years. One plaintiff, Finley Weldon, has spoken out publicly, while another, Hailey Gear, is also pursuing justice for her experience.
While USA Gymnastics has expressed awareness of the situation's gravity, they declined to provide further comments as legal processes unfold. Gardner, currently imprisoned awaiting trial on federal child pornography charges, has pleaded not guilty.
The lawsuits further accuse the organizations of neglect, detailing how concerns were raised regarding Gardner’s 'grooming behaviors,' which were patently ignored by those in charge, compounding the harm suffered by many young gymnasts.
As more allegations surface, which include numerous other former gymnasts coming forward, expectations are high that additional lawsuits will follow, amplifying calls for accountability within the gymnastics community.
