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

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The repercussions of the abuse inflicted by a now-arrested coach, Sean Gardner, have left a lasting impact on Finley Weldon and her fellow gymnasts. Despite the trauma they endured, Weldon, now 18 years old, reflects on her journey with a sense of pride as she prepares to embark on her collegiate gymnastics career at Iowa State University.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Weldon shared her story of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against abuse in order to prevent it from happening to other young athletes. Weldon’s courage in coming forward has not only empowered her but has also paved the way for accountability and justice.

The arrest of Gardner on a child sexual exploitation charge has brought to light the extent of his misconduct while coaching at various gymnastics academies. The FBI’s investigation revealed that Gardner had allegedly targeted children at multiple gyms across different states, dating back to 2004. The allegations against Gardner have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of young athletes in the gymnastics community.

Despite the challenges she faced, Weldon remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in gymnastics. Her dedication and resilience have led her to achieve elite status and secure a spot on a Division 1 team. Weldon’s story serves as a testament to the strength and determination of survivors who refuse to be defined by their past experiences.

As the legal proceedings against Gardner continue, Weldon remains hopeful that justice will be served. She commended the efforts of law enforcement in investigating the case and expressed gratitude for their support throughout the process. Weldon’s unwavering commitment to seeking accountability for her abuser exemplifies her courage and determination to make a difference in the sport she loves.

The impact of Gardner’s actions has reverberated throughout the gymnastics community, prompting a renewed focus on safeguarding young athletes from abuse. Weldon’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all athletes to thrive and succeed. As she looks ahead to the next chapter in her gymnastics career, Weldon remains an inspiration to others who may have experienced similar challenges in their journey.