Star gymnasts testify at Congress about sex-abuse scandal
WASHINGTON — Retired star gymnasts testified before Congress on Tuesday that they were sexually abused by a former USA Gymnastics doctor and recommended a bill that requires tougher sex-abuse reporting for Olympic sports.
Jamie Dantzscher, a 2000 Olympic bronze medallist , and three-time national champion rhythmic gymnast Jessica Howard recounted their experiences before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
They told the committee of their abuses by Dr. Larry Nassar, who is in jail without bond in Michigan and also faces federal child pornography charges.
“USA Gymnastics failed its most basic responsibility to protect the athletes under its care,” Dantzscher said through tears.