Gymnast Finley Weldon who sparked abuse inquiry into coach at elite US academy says she ‘needed to speak out’

Finley Weldon, a young gymnast, recently spoke out about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her now-arrested coach, Sean Gardner. Despite the trauma she endured, Weldon feels a sense of pride in being one of the few who survived Gardner’s abuse and are still involved in the sport of gymnastics. Now 18 years old, Weldon is set to start her freshman year at Iowa State University as a member of the Cyclones gymnastics team. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, she shared her story and the impact of Gardner’s actions on her and her fellow gymnasts.

Weldon expressed her determination to speak out against Gardner to prevent other young girls from experiencing the same abuse. She credited the bravery of gymnasts like Aly Raisman, who shared their stories of abuse by Larry Nassar, for inspiring her to come forward. Despite the challenges she faced, Weldon felt it was her responsibility to break the cycle of abuse and seek justice.

The FBI’s investigation revealed that Gardner targeted children while coaching at various gymnastics academies, including Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines. Weldon, along with other victims, reported the abuse to the US Center for SafeSport in 2022, prompting an investigation into Gardner’s actions. Despite initial setbacks, Weldon eventually decided to press charges against Gardner in April 2024, leading to his arrest.

Police defended their investigative efforts, emphasizing the thoroughness of their investigation over the past three years. Gardner faces federal charges related to producing child pornography, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigations continue. Weldon met with investigators to provide crucial evidence against Gardner, including identifying herself in compromising photos taken without her consent.

Reflecting on her experience, Weldon recounted how Gardner’s inappropriate behavior escalated over time, eventually leading her to reach her breaking point. Despite the challenges she faced, Weldon persevered and achieved her goal of reaching elite status in gymnastics and earning a spot on a Division 1 team. She expressed relief at seeing Gardner face consequences for his actions but also noted his visible decline in appearance, attributing it to the guilt he carries for his crimes.

In conclusion, Finley Weldon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and bravery of survivors of abuse. Her courage in speaking out against her abuser has paved the way for justice and accountability, while also inspiring others to break their silence and seek help.