Iowa Gymnastics Abuse Scandal: Legal Action Against USA Gymnastics and SafeSport
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Two former gymnasts have come forward with lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, alleging their inaction allowed coach Sean Gardner to continue a pattern of sexual abuse. This shocking revelation highlights significant oversight failures within the gymnastics community.
Allegations of Grooming and Abuse
The plaintiffs, who were 11 and 12 years old at the time, trained at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa, starting in 2018. They assert that Gardner engaged in inappropriate and abusive behaviors, which included:
- Hugging and kissing girls, purportedly as part of his coaching routine.
- Closed-door meetings with gymnasts, where he allegedly displayed abusive behavior.
- Making sexual jokes and inappropriate social media comments to young athletes.
- Engaging in excessive drinking in front of his students.
Historical Background
Reports about Gardner’s misconduct were made to both USA Gymnastics and SafeSport as early as December 2017. Despite this, both organizations failed to:
- Investigate the claims thoroughly.
- Revoked Gardner’s coaching credentials.
- Report the allegations to law enforcement.
These oversights enabled Gardner to secure a position at Chow’s Gymnastics, despite prior complaints about his behavior at a Mississippi gym.
Legal Developments
The lawsuits were filed in Polk County, Iowa, marking the first civil actions stemming from an emerging abuse scandal. Gardner’s arrest in August brought these allegations to light, as detailed in an Associated Press report.
Key Defendants
- USA Gymnastics: The national governing body responsible for the sport.
- U.S. Center for SafeSport: Created by Congress to oversee misconduct investigations in Olympic sports.
- Liang “Chow” Qiao: Prominent gymnastics coach and founder of Chow’s Gymnastics.
- Liwen Zhuan: Qiao’s wife and co-owner of the gym.
Claims Against the Organizations
- Negligence: The lawsuits suggest that all named defendants failed to act on the reports of Gardner’s misconduct.
- Failure to Protect Athletes: The organizations are accused of not taking necessary actions to ensure the safety of the gymnasts under Gardner’s supervision.
“They claim that the inaction enabled Gardner to prey on vulnerable young girls,” stated attorney Elizabeth Pudenz, representing the plaintiffs.
Gardner’s Criminal Charges
Gardner is currently facing federal child pornography charges related to allegations that he installed a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics studio in Mississippi. Investigators have uncovered videos showing at least ten minors, which raises serious questions about his grooming patterns and overall behavior.
- Pending Trial: Gardner has been jailed since his arrest and is scheduled to appear in court next month. He has pleaded not guilty.
Impact on Victims
The plaintiffs, now college students, are pursuing unspecified damages for the emotional and physical trauma they endured:
- Finley Weldon: An Iowa State gymnast who went public with her allegations and reported Gardner to the police.
- Hailey Gear: A 19-year-old University of Iowa student who also seeks to shed light on her experiences.
Expected Future Lawsuits
Given the increasing number of allegations, additional lawsuits against Gardner and the involved organizations are anticipated. Many gymnasts who trained under him have reported abuse, underscoring a systemic issue within the sport.
Conclusion
The ongoing gymnastics abuse scandal serves as a critical reminder of the need for accountability within sports organizations. The legal actions taken against USA Gymnastics and SafeSport illustrate a desperate call for reform and protection for young athletes. As these cases unfold, greater scrutiny will likely be placed on how sports institutions handle allegations of abuse and misconduct.
For more details on safeguarding athletes and the ongoing gymnastics scandals, visit USA Gymnastics and SafeSport.
