In a powerful move towards justice, two former gymnasts have filed lawsuits against influential sports organizations, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport, after alleging they were victims of abuse by coach Sean Gardner at Chow’s Gymnastics in Iowa. The lawsuits, filed in Polk County, outline that these organizations failed to act on multiple complaints regarding Gardner's inappropriate behavior, which included 'grooming' tactics like hugging and kissing young female athletes. Gardner's troubled past included a history of inappropriate actions at past gyms but was allowed to continue coaching due to insufficient follow-ups from the organizations responsible for athlete safety.

The claims come as Gardner faces federal charges of child pornography concerning hidden camera recordings made in a gymnastics studio. The two plaintiffs, now college students, state they experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while training at Chow’s, undermining their dreams of Olympic competition.

Currently jailed, Gardner has pleaded not guilty with a trial scheduled next month. The lawsuits not only name Gardner but also search for accountability from the coaching institutions founded by Liang 'Chow' Qiao, the illustrious coach associated with several Olympic champions. As these harrowing stories unveil, the momentum for athlete protection intensifies, with the potential for more lawsuits pending.