USA Swimming gave an official response which was signed by CEO Tim Hinchey to a report of the latest sexual abuse cases which have permanently marked the purity of the sport in USA.
“Let me be clear: USA Swimming does not tolerate sexual abuse or misconduct. And I assure you that this organization is facing this extremely serious issue with one very clear goal – protecting children and athletes,” Hinchey wrote.
“We will not shy away from acknowledging or supporting survivors of abuse. And we will strive to ensure that there is never a lapse of a support system again.”
USA Swimming Letter to Members ➡️ https://t.co/s5hgjr1H8p pic.twitter.com/v316UPTRfh
— USA Swimming (@USASwimming) February 22, 2018
First public accusation
Earlier this month, former world champion and Olympian swimmer Ariana Kukors claimed in an open letter that her former swimming coach Sean Hutchison had sexually abused her for more than a decade, when she was only a minor.
Despite the fact Hutchison strongly denied the allegations claiming that they were in a normal relationships only after she was 23 years of age, USA Swimming had still hired a private investigator in 2010 to further determine whether the accusations made at that period were true.
Apparently, USA swimming decided to close the investigation after being unable to find any misconduct.
Earlier this week, the California-based News Group started an intensive investigation on the matter that lead to some horrifying discoveries. According to the final report, USA Swimming had accepted as a common fact for the coaches to sexually abuse the swimmers including the under-aged ones.
According to News Group report “these acts were accepted by top officials and coaches as a common thing to happen”. This culture resulted in hundreds of sexual abuse victims only during the last two decades.
“While we disagree on several of the reported statements. And also many of the conclusions in recent media reports, members were failed. We are doing everything we can to make sure it never happens again,” Hinchey added.
“We simply cannot assume that those being abused will voluntarily come forward. Even if given the opportunity to do so in a confidential manner.”
