According to a recent report conducted by the Southern California News Corporate Scott M. Reid which was published a few days ago, USA Swimming apparently has Ignored or tried to covering up hundreds of sexual abuse cases throughout the years.
According to the report, USA Swimming intentionally neglected hundreds of these cases. They all included coaches/officials that have been part of the Swimming body during the last couple of decades.
Ariana Kukors started training with him when she was just 13 years old, at which time he allegedly began “grooming” her for a sexual relationship https://t.co/D8gNIoCYtt
— The Cut (@TheCut) February 8, 2018
Chuck Wielgus’ dark era
The investigation collected data mainly during Chuck Wielgus’ era. He was the USA Swimming executive director from the year 1997 to 2017.
The report states that during the 20-year period there were more than 252 swim officials and coaches in total who have been arrested and charged by prosecutors for sexual abuse or other illegal actions against swimmers under the age of 18. In total, the victims’ number goes to more than 590.
“Chuck could have been a hero. He could have been instrumental to change the dynamic that has haunted so many,” Katherine Star, former Olympic swimmer and also the Safe4Athletes founder, said.
“But instead he was a coward. He single-handedly allowed sexually abusive coaching to thrive for decades in the sport. Leaving a wreckage of pain that has caused great harm to many swimmers that has lasted a lifetime.”
Less than a month ago, Scott Reid reported that the House Committee on Energy and Commerce had opened a detailed investigation related to USA Swimming’s actions towards the way it was handling these sexual abuse allegations soon after ex-USA Gymnastics physician, Larry Nassar, was sentenced to maximum of 175 years in prison. He faced charges for criminal sexual conduct with more than 150 girls and women during his long career.
“The abhorrent abuses associated with USA Gymnastics, as well as allegations in 2014, when 19 swimmers said they were sexually abused by their coaches, may raise concerns about whether your organization has sufficient mechanisms to protect your athletes from abuse and mistreatment. Accordingly, the Committee is seeking information from USA Swimming. Mostly because of the role it plays in overseeing swimming and protecting all of its athletes,” write the committee.
New U.S. Law Mandates Sports Organizations Report Sexual Abuse Accusations https://t.co/VoVWZWxrfC pic.twitter.com/AAc3UbqSGB
— Swimming World (@SwimmingWorld) February 17, 2018
