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Iowa Gymnasts Sue USA Gymnastics Over Sexual Abuse Claims

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Two Iowa gymnasts filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and Chow's Gymnastics, accusing coach Sean Gardner of sexual abuse.
The suits allege organizations ignored complaints about Gardner's behavior from December 2017, allowing him to coach and abuse athletes.
Gardner faces federal child pornography charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Plaintiffs Finley Weldon, an Iowa State gymnast, and Hailey Gear, a University of Iowa student, seek damages.

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Story summary

Two Iowa gymnasts filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and Chow's Gymnastics, accusing coach Sean Gardner of sexual abuse.
The suits allege organizations ignored complaints about Gardner's behavior from December 2017, allowing him to coach and abuse athletes.
Gardner faces federal child pornography charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Plaintiffs Finley Weldon, an Iowa State gymnast, and Hailey Gear, a University of Iowa student, seek damages.