In the zero-tolerance environment that has developed with regard to sexual abuse, the governing body for competitive swimming once again faces unwanted attention.
Earlier this decade, the organization saw accusations that it mishandled childhood sexual abuse complaints and charges. In most cases, swim coaches were accused of or charged with abuse of underage swimmers they trained. Some were convicted.
Many believed USA Swimming enabled predatory coaches by refusing to investigate complaints, processing them very slowly, and retaining some of these coaches on the member rolls, making it easier for them to relocate. At one time, the organization opposed a California bill to give child victims more time to sue organizations whose employees or members abused them. Advocates pointed to this, saying it showed USA Swimming systematically protected its own interests at children’s expense. Many called for the late Chuck Wielgus, then executive director, to step down. Some went farther, saying the board should clean house.
In the end, Wielgus issued an apology, and the organization established a program it said would reduce or prevent similar incidents.
Now, after powerful testimonies from more than 100 gymnasts about abuse at the hands of team doctor Larry Nassar, the swimming organization finds itself under the microscope again, resulting in some of the staff turnover that opponents sought years ago.
First, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce notified USA Swimming that it will investigate the organization’s handling of the sex abuse incidents and allegations. Then Congress passed new legislation meant to protect amateur athletes from predatory authority figures, especially coaches.
Then the heat started coming from other sources. In February, the Orange County Register reported on an investigation by its parent company, Southern California News Group. The story repeated some findings that had been reported before, but went on to accuse USA Swimming’s program to protect children, Safe Sport, of being ineffective.
Following the scrutiny, two key USA Swimming officials resigned: Susan Woessner, Safe Sport senior director; and Pat Hogan, club development managing director. Woessner recently admitted to a single kissing session with U.S. national team coach Sean Hutchison, who once was the subject of an investigation into his conduct. The incident occurred before she took her post with Safe Sport in 2010. Despite this, she helped facilitate the investigation into Hutchinson, who eventually was cleared. “Considering Woessner’s Safe Sport role, a disclosure of this interaction should have preceded an investigation involving Hutchison in December 2010,” USA Swimming said in a press release.
No reason was given for Hogan resigning.
The organization issued a letter to its members. “While we disagree on several of the reported statements and many of the conclusions in recent media reports, members were failed, and we are doing everything we can to make sure it never happens again,” said current president/CEO Tim Hinchey.
Most recently, eight athletes who serve on USA Swimming’s Board of Directors issued a statement saying that, though not perfect, USA Swimming has made strides that other organizations seek to model, resulting in the removal of more than 100 from the sport. “We stand with victims through our actions, and we will stand up for them at the highest levels of USA Swimming by ensuring real and significant change,” they said. “This includes holding accountable anyone involved with USA Swimming who either actively or passively allowed these tragedies to occur.”