As US Olympic Committee Chief Steps Down, Blumenthal and Moran Meet with Gymnasts Abused by Larry Nassar

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) – Ranking Member and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security with jurisdiction over the health and safety of USA Gymnastics, US Olympic and NCAA athletes – heard the stories of gymnasts who suffered abuse at the hands of former Team USA Doctor Larry Nassar. Their meeting came shortly after US Olympic Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun announced he was stepping down amid systemic failures to protect athletes from sexual abuse.

“The young women’s stories we heard today reinforced our determination to root out abuse in youth sport governing bodies,” said Blumenthal and Moran. “We are hopeful for renewed commitment from all Olympic organizations to eradicate all sexual abuse and other misconduct, and to raise a generation of athletes who feel safe competing in the sports they love. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over USOC and other governing bodies, we intend to continue our thorough investigation.”

Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber, Olympic Bronze Medalist Jamie Dantzscher, National Team Member Jeanette Antolin, and Lisa Lorincz, mother of Adrian College gymnast Kaylee Lorincz, attended the meeting with the Senators.

In January, Blumenthal and Moran questioned whether USA Gymnastics (USAG) and Michigan State University (MSU) tried to silence gymnasts with non-disclosure agreements and what the US Olympic Committee (USOC) is doing to prevent future atrocities. Additionally, the Senators broadened their inquiries to include all National Governing Bodies following reports that revealed two USOC executives were alerted of possible sexual misconduct by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar a year before he was suspended from treating athletes. 

Click here to view and download a full-size image of Blumenthal and Moran with the gymnasts.