The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has defended its handling of the Larry Nassar case after several top gymnasts, who suffered sexual abuse under the supervision of a former team doctor, sent a letter to Congress calling for the USOPC board to be dissolved .
According to media reports, Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles, MacKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman sent letters on Wednesday, along with World Championships gold medalist Maggie Nichols, saying “the board’s unwillingness to confront endemic problems with abuse in past actions” is displayed.”
The four were among dozens of accused who came forward against Nassar, who in 2018 was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts assigned to his care.
“The letter addressed to Congress underscores their concern, and we recognize the bravery of athlete survivors who continue to advance these issues,” the USOPC said in a written statement to Reuters.
“The letter references issues the USOPC has been addressing for more than two years – and the work we continue to do every day.”
The USOPC also said it has “implemented the most comprehensive governance reforms in nearly two decades” and is “fully committed to addressing sexual abuse at every level of the game.”
Gymnasts, including Biles, Maroney and Raisman, appeared before a Senate panel last month, where they rebuked the FBI for failing to properly investigate the case.
The US Justice Department earlier this month launched a new investigation into the FBI’s poor handling of its investigation into Nassar, which previously refused to prosecute the agents involved.