IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Two gymnasts who say they were sexually abused at an elite academy in Iowa filed lawsuits Monday against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, alleging negligence in allowing their coach, Sean Gardner, to continue working despite numerous reports of inappropriate behavior.
According to the lawsuits, both organizations were informed in December 2017 about Gardner's ‘inappropriate and abusive behaviors’, which included hugging and kissing athletes and other grooming tactics while coaching at a Mississippi gym. The plaintiffs allege that the lack of proper investigation and failure to revoke Gardner's coaching credentials allowed him to secure a position at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa, where further abuse allegedly took place.
The lawsuits mark a significant moment in a broader scandal that began with FBI investigations into Gardner, who was arrested in August on federal child pornography charges. Gardner is accused of placing a hidden camera in a gym bathroom, capturing minors in compromising situations. His attorney asserts Gardner is not guilty, and he remains jailed awaiting trial.
The plaintiffs, identified as Iowa State gymnast Finley Weldon and University of Iowa student Hailey Gear, were only 11 and 12 years old when they began training under Gardner in 2018. They report enduring years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse before quitting the gym. They are seeking unspecified damages for their suffering.
The response from USA Gymnastics and SafeSport has been limited, with SafeSport noting it has not yet been served with the lawsuit but referencing previous disciplinary actions taken against Gardner. As the accusations of abuse continue to surface, the lawsuits may open the door for additional claims from other former gymnasts.
According to the lawsuits, both organizations were informed in December 2017 about Gardner's ‘inappropriate and abusive behaviors’, which included hugging and kissing athletes and other grooming tactics while coaching at a Mississippi gym. The plaintiffs allege that the lack of proper investigation and failure to revoke Gardner's coaching credentials allowed him to secure a position at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa, where further abuse allegedly took place.
The lawsuits mark a significant moment in a broader scandal that began with FBI investigations into Gardner, who was arrested in August on federal child pornography charges. Gardner is accused of placing a hidden camera in a gym bathroom, capturing minors in compromising situations. His attorney asserts Gardner is not guilty, and he remains jailed awaiting trial.
The plaintiffs, identified as Iowa State gymnast Finley Weldon and University of Iowa student Hailey Gear, were only 11 and 12 years old when they began training under Gardner in 2018. They report enduring years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse before quitting the gym. They are seeking unspecified damages for their suffering.
The response from USA Gymnastics and SafeSport has been limited, with SafeSport noting it has not yet been served with the lawsuit but referencing previous disciplinary actions taken against Gardner. As the accusations of abuse continue to surface, the lawsuits may open the door for additional claims from other former gymnasts.
