Two gymnasts who allege they were sexually abused at an elite Iowa gymnastics academy filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport on Monday. The plaintiffs assert that the organizations failed to take proper action to stop coach Sean Gardner from preying on young girls despite numerous complaints regarding his 'inappropriate and abusive behaviors' dating as far back as December 2017. The lawsuits allege negligence for not investigating or reporting Gardner’s actions, enabling him to continue coaching at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute, where he allegedly continued his abusive behaviors.

These lawsuits represent the first civil actions taken in the burgeoning scandal that has surfaced following Gardner's recent arrest on federal child pornography charges. Gardner faces serious allegations that include placing a hidden camera in bathrooms to record minors. Both plaintiffs, now in college, reported the abuse claims to authorities, fostering an urgent call for accountability against the institutions that failed to protect them.

Amid growing scrutiny, the vulnerabilities present within the sport's governance are being highlighted, shedding light on how policies failed to safeguard young athletes from potential harm. A critical examination of the coaching environment at Chow’s Gymnastics further reveals complicity in overseeing Gardner’s alleged misconduct, raising necessary questions about oversight and athlete protection in gymnastics.