At least 368 gymnasts were sexually abused by adults working in gymnastics across the U.S., an Indy Star investigation reveals.
An extensive review process by the Star dating back 20 years turned up hundreds of police files and court cases tied to youth gymnastics and the sexual exploitation of children by those in power, including coaches and gym owners.
The Star reported in August that officials at USA Gymnastics failed to alert police to sexual abuse allegations that took place on their watch, and chose to hide complaints.
The investigation includes instances of sexually abusive and predatory coaches moving from gym to gym around the country and a failure to establish and enforce discipline.
“Nothing is more important to USA Gymnastics, the Board of Directors and CEO Steve Penny than protecting athletes, which requires sustained vigilance by everyone — coaches, athletes, parents, administrators and officials. We are saddened when any athlete has been harmed in the course of his or her gymnastics career,” USA gymnastics told the Star in a statement.
You can read the full investigation here.
