Simone Biles is holding USA Gymnastics accountable for its role in the Larry Nassar scandal. As she prepared for the U.S. Championships, the gymnast spoke out about her experience. Biles was one of the hundreds of athletes who were sexually abused by the former team doctor, Larry Nassar.
Biles stood at the Target Center, watching as young gymnasts flipped and soared—a stark contrast to the dark days of the Nassar scandal that nearly destroyed USA Gymnastics. Five years ago, the organization was on the brink of collapse, but now there is a sense of hope and resilience. How did USA Gymnastics rise from the ashes to rebuild trust and create a healthier environment for its athletes?
Even after USA Gymnastics underwent significant leadership changes, Biles became emotional when discussing the challenge of trusting the organization again. “It’s hard coming here for an organization,” she said, reflecting on the devastating impact of the Nassar scandal—a dark chapter in sports history that can’t be ignored. The scandal was a nightmare that USA Gymnastics and the entire sports world had to wake up from.
Larry Nassar, a trusted team doctor, was expected to keep athletes safe and healthy. Instead, he abused that trust in the most horrific way, sexually abusing hundreds of female athletes under the guise of medical treatment. The scale of his abuse was staggering, with over 300 women and girls, including high-profile gymnasts like Simone Biles, coming forward to detail the abuse they suffered.
In the immediate aftermath of the scandal, USA Gymnastics faced a barrage of lawsuits from survivors seeking justice. The organization found itself overwhelmed by legal battles and ultimately had to file for bankruptcy. This financial collapse was accompanied by a revolving door of CEOs, each stepping in with hopes of stabilizing the organization but often leaving quickly, unable to handle the immense pressure.
The loss of sponsorships was another severe blow. Big-name sponsors distanced themselves from the tainted brand, leaving USA Gymnastics struggling for financial stability. The erosion of trust was perhaps the most damaging impact. This wasn’t just about money or management; it was about people. The trust between USA Gymnastics and its athletes, coaches, club owners, and even the parents of young gymnasts was shattered. The organization, once seen as a protector and promoter of young talent, was now viewed as a place where abuse had been allowed to fester.
The broader impact on the gymnastics community and public perception was profound. Gymnastics, one of the most beloved Olympic sports, suddenly found itself under a cloud of suspicion and shame. Parents were understandably hesitant to enroll their children in gymnastics programs. Athletes and coaches grappled with a new reality where the focus wasn’t just on winning medals but also on ensuring safety and accountability.
Public trust needed rebuilding, and that was no small task. Conversations everywhere—from gyms to living rooms—focused on the need for change in sports culture, protection for athletes, transparency, and accountability for those in power. The Nassar scandal was not just a wake-up call for gymnastics; it was a stark reminder for all sports organizations about the paramount importance of athlete safety and integrity.
In early 2019, USA Gymnastics was still reeling from the Nassar scandal and struggling to find its footing. That’s when Li Li Leung stepped in as the new president and CEO. Her arrival brought a fresh breeze of hope during a stormy period for the organization. Leung, a former gymnast at the University of Michigan, understood the sport from the inside out. Her background in corporate leadership, particularly with the NBA, made her an ideal candidate to steer USA Gymnastics out of troubled waters.
Leung’s vision for turning around USA Gymnastics was ambitious and pragmatic. She aimed to rebuild trust from the ground up, focusing on transparency, athlete welfare, and accountability. This wasn’t about quick fixes; it was about laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and integrity. One of her first significant moves was reshaping the leadership team. While she did not set out to create an all-female executive team, it turned out that way. Leung prioritized finding the right people who shared her vision and commitment, without ego or personal agendas.
Among those she brought on board was Stephanie Corpin, the new Chief Program Director. A former rhythmic gymnast, Corpin had reconnected with the sport as a judge and joined the USA Gymnastics board in 2018. By the time Leung took over, Corpin was ready to face the challenges head-on.
Leung’s leadership style emphasized collaboration and support, mirroring an organization where 85% of the members are female. This approach fostered a supportive environment where athletes felt heard and valued. The new leadership team didn’t just change policies; they changed the culture, making it clear that USA Gymnastics was committed to transparency and athlete wellness. They implemented an independent observer system for team selection processes and revamped the athlete funding model to provide clear guidelines and financial support, reducing stress on athletes and their families.
Under Leung’s leadership, USA Gymnastics began to regain its footing. The changes were palpable, and trust started to rebuild. Financial stability was also a focus, with a new athlete funding model providing clear and specific guidelines on money distribution, reducing uncertainty and stress. Mental health support became a cornerstone of USA Gymnastics’ efforts, with programs reimbursing national team members and their coaches for mental health visits and therapy dogs being introduced at major events to help reduce anxiety.
The involvement of former Olympians Chelsea Memmel and Alicia Sacramone Quinn in leading the senior women’s program brought a new level of empathy and understanding to the leadership. Their presence helped foster a healthier environment where the well-being of athletes was prioritized. The cultural shifts within USA Gymnastics made a tangible difference, with a renewed sense of camaraderie and respect.
The story of USA Gymnastics is one of resilience and transformation. From the depths of scandal and mistrust, the organization has made strides toward a safer, more supportive environment. The journey has been challenging, but under strong leadership, USA Gymnastics is beginning to emerge from the shadow of its past, with a renewed commitment to doing what’s right for its athletes and the sport.
