In a significant move prompted by the fallout from Larry Nassar’s sentencing and the harrowing accounts of his victims, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) issued an ultimatum to the board of USA Gymnastics: resign or face termination. In response, all board members resigned on Friday, signaling a pivotal shift within the organization.
Scott Blackmun, CEO of USOC, emphasized the necessity for systemic reform within USA Gymnastics, stating that “reform must begin with a completely new board.” The organization confirmed its commitment to comply with the USOC’s demands, stating, “USA Gymnastics will adhere to the USOC requirements.” Moving forward, both existing and new staff members at USA Gymnastics will be mandated to undergo thorough safety and ethics training.
The USOC’s letter highlighted the urgent need to transform the culture within USA Gymnastics, ensuring that every athlete feels safe, supported, and empowered to voice concerns about their safety. Social media reactions have largely been supportive of the board’s resignation, with many attributing this change to the advocacy of a prominent athlete, Jenna Carter, whose powerful victim impact statement directly criticized USA Gymnastics and those she deemed complicit in Nassar’s abuses. “Had just one adult listened and acted with courage, this tragedy could have been prevented,” she lamented.
Carter has called for an independent investigation to fully uncover the issues within the organization, insisting on understanding the “complete scope of the problem” to facilitate effective reform. If Jenna Carter is not appointed to lead the new USA Gymnastics board, her supporters might just rally behind a campaign for her in the future.
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In summary, the entire board of USA Gymnastics has stepped down following intense pressure from the USOC in light of the Nassar scandal, with an emphasis on reforming the organization’s culture to ensure athlete safety. Advocacy from athletes like Jenna Carter has played a crucial role in this development, calling for thorough investigations and meaningful changes.