HUNTSVILLE (WBAP/KLIF News) – Following shocking revelations that a former doctor for USA Gymnastics habitually sexually assaulted young athletes, the federation announced that it’s cancelling its contract with Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville.
The ranch, which is located about 45 minutes north of Houston, is named after famed gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi and has served as the official United States Olympic Training site since 2011.
USA Gymnastics CEO Kerry Perry issued a statement about the decision via Twitter Thursday afternoon.
It said that a camp scheduled to being there Monday had been canceled and the federation is looking for alternative training sites until a permanent facility is found.
“It has been my intent to terminate this agreement since I began as president and CEO in December. Our most important priority is our athletes and their training environment must reflect this,” she said.
The news comes on the heels of the trial of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor for almost 20 years, pleaded guilty in November to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.
He accepted a plea deal and was forced to admit his crimes. As news spread of his widespread abuse, former and current gymnastics stars came forward with their stories.
Feelings… #MeToo pic.twitter.com/ICiu0FCa0n
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) January 15, 2018
Perry and fellow USA Gymnastics officials heard those stories and promised to make sweeping changes to keep athletes safe.
“We are committed to a culture that empowers and supports our athletes,” said the statement.
After sitting through several days of victim impact statements, Nassar wrote a letter to the judge expressing concern for his well being due to having to listen to his victims in court.
He has already been sentenced to 60 years in prison on a child pornography case stemming from separate incidents. His expected to be sentenced in this trial soon.
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