In a troubling development in the realm of youth sports, two young women have recently filed civil lawsuits against USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and the owners of a prominent Iowa gymnastics facility. The allegations center around serious accusations of sexual abuse and systemic failures to protect athletes from a former coach, Sean Gardner, who has now been arrested on federal charges related to child pornography. This case highlights significant concerns regarding accountability and the safety of young athletes in competitive sports.
The plaintiffs, Hailey Gear, 19, and Finley Weldon, 18, were minors when they trained under Gardner at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa. According to court filings, both women suffered repeated physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by Gardner during their time at the gym from late 2018 until they left at different times in subsequent years. The lawsuits paint a disturbing picture of a coach who engaged in a range of inappropriate behaviors that went unchecked.
One of the most alarming aspects of the allegations is the timeline of complaints made against Gardner. In December 2017, both his former employer in Mississippi and the parents of another athlete alerted USA Gymnastics and SafeSport about Gardner’s troubling behavior, which included requiring hugs from athletes, making inappropriate jokes, excessive drinking around minors, and various grooming behaviors. Despite these warnings, it appears that little to no follow-up action was taken to investigate or address these severe allegations.
In August, the FBI arrested Gardner on charges related to child pornography after discovering videos of minor gymnasts recorded with a hidden camera in a restroom where he previously coached. These videos allegedly show young girls in vulnerable situations, raising serious concerns about Gardner’s history and the potential for ongoing abuse at his previous coaching locations. Reports suggest that his predatory behavior may have targeted children at various gymnastics facilities over a decade, alarming authorities and the gymnastics community alike.
The recent civil lawsuits specifically allege that USA Gymnastics and SafeSport did not adequately investigate Gardner’s behavior, nor did they revoke his coaching credentials or warn other gymnasts and families about the risks he posed. Moreover, it is claimed that even after a report made by a parent of a minor gymnast in September 2020, there was still no effective action taken to curb Gardner’s alleged inappropriate conduct.
The owners of Chow’s Gymnastics, Liang “Chow” Qiao and Liwen Zhuang, are also named in the lawsuits. They are accused of having failed to respond appropriately to numerous complaints regarding Gardner, thereby contributing to a culture that allowed abuse to flourish unchecked. The lawsuits argue that neither USA Gymnastics, SafeSport, nor Chow’s Gymnastics had effective systems in place to monitor or govern the actions of coaches or employees, leading to a systemic failure in safeguarding the young athletes under their care.
In response to these developments, a spokesperson for USA Gymnastics acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but stated that they could not comment further as the case is ongoing. The U.S. Center for SafeSport indicated that they had not received reports of abuse involving Gardner until 2022 and took swift action upon learning of the allegations. Their statement suggests a disconnect between the reporting and investigative mechanisms currently in place.
Weldon expressed her motivation for coming forward, emphasizing her desire to break the cycle of abuse that has persisted within the sports community. She stated, “I needed to speak out to stop it from happening to other little girls,” highlighting the bravery it takes to confront such painful experiences. Gear’s attorney shared that her client is also determined to shed light on the issue, indicating the widespread sentiment among the plaintiffs to hold institutions accountable for their shortcomings.
John C. Manly, one of the co-counsels for Gear and Weldon, likened their case to the notorious Larry Nassar scandal, suggesting that the troubling culture of prioritizing success over child safety remains prevalent in U.S. gymnastics. As these lawsuits unfold, they raise critical questions about the governance of sports organizations and the ongoing need for reform to protect young athletes from abuse.
As the legal process progresses, both young women are seeking a jury trial, with damages to be specified. Their brave decision to speak out may inspire further action and accountability within the gymnastics community and beyond, highlighting the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the wellbeing of young athletes.