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Jessica Howard was U.S. national champion in rhythmic gymnastics from 1999 to 2001, a finalist at the 1999 World Championships, and a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Later she was on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors.
In the NY Times Jessica writes of how she was abused by Larry Nassar. And what the USAG needs to do to protect their members in future.
Cracking Down on Abuse in U.S. Gymnastics
The best post I’ve seen yet on the Dr. Larry Nassar scandal:
With the information we currently have – I too want to make some one pay. This must be someone’s fault. Someone should have done something 20 years ago. The reality is that no one I knew suspected anything. If we had, we would have reported it. …
read more – USA Gymnastics – It’s about being a professional.
Why did USAG keep Nassar so long? Why didn’t someone in the organization flag his illegal behaviour sooner? Why don’t they react more quickly.
But to blame one person — CEO Steve Penny — is simplistic and shortsighted. He’s no more than 1% to blame. What about all the other coaches, officials, administrators, medical staff and judges?
There are dozens of changes that need be implemented at the family, club, State, Region and National level. There is no quick fix.
Watch the interview on NBC.
via @GymCastic
Brent Klaus for International Gymnastics Camp withdraws sponsorship of USA Gymnastics.
Coaches of Trampoline and Gymnastics mostly can’t believe Trampoline Parks can stay open. Why aren’t they sued into bankruptcy?
Hospital visits are on the rise.
Those statistics are from a study in Paediatrics – Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries (2016)
related – Sun (U.K.) – FLIPPING DANGEROUS A shattered spine, fractured skull, iron rod in leg, broken ankles, dislocated foot, black eyes – why are trampoline parks jumping in popularity?
A Georgia judge, at IndyStar’s request, released more than 5,600 pages of court records Friday detailing how USA Gymnastics handled sexual abuse allegations against coaches over a 10-year period.
… sexual abuse complaint files on 54 coaches, revealed that some coaches weren’t banned from the sport until years after they were convicted of crimes against children. …
USA Gymnastics fought the release for nearly nine months, including in two appeals to the Georgia Supreme Court. …
The GymCastic audiocast has been updating this case week-by-week.
Where I live a criminal records check is required every 3 years.
Though it was possible to apply online, I went instead in person to the nearest “Police and Intervention Record Check” office with driver’s licence and passport in hand.
Application was short and simple. I paid my $30 and was told it would take 3 weeks for my report to be mailed.
All coaches and support staff should check what’s required where you live.
All clubs should require Police Checks from their staff that work with children.
Truly the police checking process should be ongoing. At first criminal infraction the employer should be notified. Immediately.
American Twisters Florida has an excellent Child Safety page listing their policies. Compare your club with Twisters.
related – IndyStar – OUT OF BALANCE
Click through to listen to Alaina Legendre (née Williams) tell the story in her own words.
On Sunday, August 24, 2014 after the P&G Championships in Pittsburgh, Olympic hopeful Steven Legendre and his wife Alaina went to the hotel bar. It was there that Alaina alleges U.S. Olympic Training Center men’s coach, Vitaly Marinitch sexually assaulted her.
Since the incident isn’t mentioned as a catalyst for Vitaly’s stated voluntary resignation, the Legendres have decided to publicly share their story …
related – USA Today – Couple unhappy with USA Gymnastics handling of groping complaint
I’ve not seen any official response from USAG.
Thanks to GymCastic for their investigation on this: 1) Orange County Register, 2) Indy Star, 3 GymCastic.
WSJ’s Rebecca Davis O’Brien explains how sexual abuse allegations against the former doctor for the U.S. Women’s national gymnastics team has escalated into a federal investigation. She and WSJ’s Tanya Rivero discuss lawsuits filed by numerous girls and women against the doctor. …
WSJ – FBI Interviews Top U.S. Gymnasts in Intensifying Sexual-Abuse Investigation (VIDEO)
News magazine program “60 Minutes” put the spotlight on IndyStar’s investigative reporting on sex abuse within USA Gymnastics.
Several former gymnasts came forward to tell their stories of alleged sex abuse committed by former team doctor Larry Nassar. If you missed the program, you can watch online here (in the USA). …
Click PLAY or watch USAG Board Chair Paul Parilla’s response on Twitter.
related – read FloGymnastics’ Editorial: Why Does Abuse Continue To Plague USA Gymnastics?
USAG should have done more sooner, that’s clear.
What will USA Gymnastics do next? That’s not at all clear.
Changes may be imposed on all Olympic sports in the USA — Senator seeks tougher law after USA Gymnastics’ handling of sex abuse cases
Gymnastics Coaching.com 