Aubree Balkan is one of several people who contacted me regarding trampoline coach Doug Boger who was placed on the USA Gymnastics ‘permanently ineligible’ for membership list June 2010.
I linked to reporter SCOTT M. REID who published an article about Boger — Banned after accusations of abuse, some gymnastics coaches continue to teach
Follow that link if you missed the story.
Here’s what one of his more recent former athletes has to say:
I am writing in response to the media outrage and allegations against Doug Boger. He was my former gymnastics coach and I feel compelled to share my experiences and those of my teammates that have been coached by him within the last ten years. Doug started coaching me when I was 12 years old in 2001. He coached, guided and mentored me through my gymnastics career and is still one of the most instrumental people in my life. Without his faith and devotion to me as an athlete, I would have never accomplished nearly as much I was able too. Without him I would have not made the national team and competed at three world championships. Doug and I made a great team. We travelled the world together and in 2009 both won awards for sportswoman and double-mini coach of the year. I would not be who I am today if it were not for his passion and love for the sport as well as his devotion to the well being of his athletes. Never in the last ten years did I experience anything to the nature of what Doug is being accused of. I have learned so much from him and will stand by him regardless of such allegations with my unforgettable memories and nothing but positive and life-shaping experiences through my gymnastics career with Doug for the past ten years.
Aubree Balkan
I once had a teacher friend wrongly accused and imprisoned. So I’m well aware that there is some chance that’s the case here.
At this point Doug Boger, family and friends must respond in the court of public opinion, as well as court, if it comes to that.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 
Doug Boger molested me in his apartment in Pasadena when I was 14 years old. I do not know anybody can defend that
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I’m so sorry to hear that, Tami.
We’d be happy to post your story on this site.
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I was also coached by Doug. I understand that not everyone who was coached by him was abused by him but many were. I was. I was coached by him from 8 until 13. I quit my beloved sport because I was chosen by him and the abuse began and something inside me forced me to quit.
I can understand why it might seem odd to not say anything, ever, about this stuff, but back in the day things were different.
He had just been acquitted in Pasadena when he chose me.
Things are so different now.
I also agree — he was the best coach I ever had. I still use the techniques taught to me by him. There is no doubt that he was an excellent coach.
Unfortunately, he also had a problem with abusing girls.
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Thanks for your bravery, Wendy.
And thanks for explaining that an abusive situation like yours was complicated.
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I understand that Doug did not abuse every gymnast he coached. He did abuse me. He had just been acquitted for child sexual abuse in Pasadena when he chose me. I actually did not know at that time that he had just been acquitted. Now that everything has become more open, I was able to find out the timeline…
I agree that he was an excellent coach. The best coach I ever had. Unfortunately, he also abused young girls.
I am so glad that things have changed and we can speak openly about things like this now.
Obviously, false accusations are important to watch out for, but in this case, the accusations are not false.
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