IOWA CITY, Iowa — In a significant development regarding athlete safety, two gymnasts reportedly subjected to sexual abuse at a well-known Iowa gymnastics academy have filed lawsuits against the sport’s governing bodies, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The allegations detail a troubling pattern where the organizations did not address multiple complaints lodged against coach Sean Gardner, who is accused of inappropriate conduct involving young athletes.
Filed in Polk County, Iowa, these lawsuits mark the onset of civil action stemming from a wider abuse scandal that emerged following Gardner's arrest in August. Reports allege that both USA Gymnastics and SafeSport were made aware of Gardner’s 'inappropriate and abusive behaviors' back in December 2017, yet they failed to take necessary actions to impede his access to vulnerable athletes, allowing him to continue his coaching role despite existing allegations.
The lawsuits, which include plaintiffs now in college, reveal disturbing claims of 'physical, emotional, and sexual abuse' suffered by the young gymnasts, who were ages 11 and 12 when the abuse allegedly began. One plaintiff, Finley Weldon, has come forward publicly to shed light on her experiences, while the other, Hailey Gear, has also expressed her willingness to speak out. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for injuries and treatment costs incurred as a result of the alleged abuses.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, federal charges have been leveled against Gardner for allegedly placing a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics facility, which reportedly captured inappropriate footage of minors. As legal proceedings unfold, the gymnastics community remains on high alert, aware that more victims may come forward and additional lawsuits may soon follow.
The scrutiny continues to fall on the oversight bodies, as their response to previous complaints about Gardner’s behaviors raises serious questions about their commitment to protecting young athletes from harm.
Filed in Polk County, Iowa, these lawsuits mark the onset of civil action stemming from a wider abuse scandal that emerged following Gardner's arrest in August. Reports allege that both USA Gymnastics and SafeSport were made aware of Gardner’s 'inappropriate and abusive behaviors' back in December 2017, yet they failed to take necessary actions to impede his access to vulnerable athletes, allowing him to continue his coaching role despite existing allegations.
The lawsuits, which include plaintiffs now in college, reveal disturbing claims of 'physical, emotional, and sexual abuse' suffered by the young gymnasts, who were ages 11 and 12 when the abuse allegedly began. One plaintiff, Finley Weldon, has come forward publicly to shed light on her experiences, while the other, Hailey Gear, has also expressed her willingness to speak out. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for injuries and treatment costs incurred as a result of the alleged abuses.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, federal charges have been leveled against Gardner for allegedly placing a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics facility, which reportedly captured inappropriate footage of minors. As legal proceedings unfold, the gymnastics community remains on high alert, aware that more victims may come forward and additional lawsuits may soon follow.
The scrutiny continues to fall on the oversight bodies, as their response to previous complaints about Gardner’s behaviors raises serious questions about their commitment to protecting young athletes from harm.
