Sport · Singapore Bureau
Sport still failing athletes despite post-Nassar reforms, judge warns
A decade of reforms following Larry Nassar's conviction have failed to adequately protect gymnasts, according to the judge who sentenced the disgraced former USA Gymnastics physician. The stark assessment raises fresh questions about safeguarding measures across the sport.
LSN Singapore ·
The judge overseeing the high-profile case has expressed serious concerns that gymnastics continues to neglect athlete welfare in fundamental ways, despite sweeping changes implemented since Nassar's 2016 arrest. Speaking to media, the judge indicated that vulnerabilities persist across "almost every" aspect of how the sport operates and protects its competitors.
Nassar, a former team physician for USA Gymnastics, was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of athletes over decades. His prosecution and subsequent convictions sparked global scrutiny of safeguarding practices in gymnastics and prompted numerous reforms at organisational and institutional levels.
However, the judge's comments suggest these measures have fallen short of addressing systemic issues that enabled abuse to occur undetected for so long. The assessment underscores ongoing concerns among victim advocates and observers about whether the sport has genuinely transformed its culture and oversight mechanisms.
The remarks come amid continued efforts by gymnastics bodies worldwide to strengthen athlete protection protocols and improve reporting mechanisms. Experts have highlighted the need for greater transparency, independent oversight, and mandatory training for coaches and officials to prevent future abuses.
The case remains a watershed moment in sports governance, with gymnastics and other disciplines grappling with how to balance competitive demands against athlete safety and wellbeing.