CRIME & LAW

Lawsuits accuse gymnastics bodies of failing to protect athletes

PUBLISHED Dec 1, 2025, 5:11 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Lawsuits accuse gymnastics bodies of failing to protect athletes

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

IOWA CITY, Iowa. Two gymnasts filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport failed to stop coach Sean Gardner after complaints surfaced in December 2017. The complaints, the suits say, described Gardner hugging, kissing and grooming athletes at a Mississippi gym. The plaintiffs allege the organizations did not investigate properly, revoke credentials, report to law enforcement or prevent Gardner from later working at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines in 2018, where additional abuse allegedly occurred. Liang "Chow" Qiao is named as a defendant. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

December 2017: Complaints reported alleging Gardner hugged, kissed and groomed athletes at a Mississippi gym.
2018: Gardner reportedly hired at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa.
2018–years after: Plaintiffs allege additional abuse of preteen and teenage girls occurred at the Iowa institute.
Years after initial reports: PBS referenced an FBI arrest of an ex-coach connected to earlier abuse reports.
Lawsuits filed Monday: Two gymnasts sued USA Gymnastics, U.S. Center for SafeSport, Chow's Gymnastics, and Liang "Chow" Qiao.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

No parties clearly benefit; the lawsuits seek accountability and potential compensation for survivors while accused organizations face legal, financial and reputational risks.