Lawsuits accuse gymnastics bodies of failing to protect athletes
PUBLISHED Dec 1, 2025, 5:11 PM ET
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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.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
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- Left Leaning:
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- Neutral:
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- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
No parties clearly benefit; the lawsuits seek accountability and potential compensation for survivors while accused organizations face legal, financial and reputational risks.
Alleged victims suffered abuse and long-term harm; sport governing bodies face scrutiny and legal exposure for alleged failures to act.
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Lawsuits accuse gymnastics bodies of failing to protect athletes
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