Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines, Iowa, along with former coach Sean Gardner and national governing bodies responsible for athlete safety.
Former students allege that Gardner sexually abused and harassed young gymnasts while working as a coach. The lawsuits further claim that Chow’s Gymnastics failed to act on reports from athletes and parents and did not report the allegations to law enforcement.
The claims extend beyond the gym itself. The lawsuits also name the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics, alleging failures to properly respond to warnings and protect athletes.
Gardner is currently in federal custody facing child pornography related charges.
These allegations are deeply serious. But they are not isolated.
Cases like this follow a pattern that has been seen across gymnastics, youth sports, and Olympic training systems.
It often begins with a coach gaining trust and authority over young athletes. Over time, boundaries are blurred. Behavior escalates. And when concerns are raised, institutions frequently fail to act decisively.
In this case, allegations include:
These are not random acts. They are part of a recognizable pattern of abuse that thrives in environments where authority is unchecked and reporting systems fail.
One of the most important aspects of this case is that responsibility does not stop with the individual accused.
The lawsuits allege that the gym hired Gardner despite concerns about his past and failed to properly investigate complaints. When parents and athletes raised concerns, the gym allegedly did not take appropriate action.
SafeSport was created to prevent exactly these types of situations. However, lawsuits claim that it failed to intervene effectively even after receiving reports of misconduct.
As the national governing body, USA Gymnastics is responsible for oversight of the sport. The lawsuits allege that systemic failures allowed the abuse to continue.
This layered failure is what allows abuse to persist. When institutions do not act, individuals are put at risk.
A common question in cases like this is why reports are not made immediately.
The reality is far more complex.
Young athletes are often placed in environments where:
In gymnastics especially, where athletes may train from a very young age and depend heavily on coaches, these pressures are intensified.
Delays in reporting are not unusual. They are expected in many abuse cases.
Survivors of sexual abuse in youth sports may have the right to pursue civil claims, even years after the abuse occurred.
These cases often involve multiple defendants, including:
Civil lawsuits can help uncover what institutions knew, when they knew it, and whether they failed to act.
In many states, laws have expanded to allow survivors additional time to come forward. These legal windows can be critical.
If you were abused while participating in gymnastics or another youth sport, you are not alone.
You may still have legal options, even if the abuse happened years ago.
Speaking with an attorney who has experience handling institutional abuse cases can help you understand what steps are available and what your rights may be.
Yes. If a gym failed to protect athletes, ignored reports, or allowed abuse to occur, it may be held legally responsible.
Many states have extended or reopened legal deadlines for survivors. You may still be able to bring a claim.
In some cases, yes. If these organizations failed in their duty to protect athletes, they may be included in legal claims.
You are not alone. Many survivors do not report immediately. This does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a case.
For more than 40 years, Paul Mones has represented survivors of child sexual abuse and has been at the forefront of holding institutions accountable.
If you believe you may have a case, you can take the first step by learning your legal options.
Find out if you have a case.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every case is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable laws. Some names, stories, and characters mentioned in this blog may be for illustrative purposes only and do not depict real individuals or events. Reading this blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Paul Mones PC, nor does it guarantee any specific legal result.
Share This!
Read Next
