Sports watchdog under scrutiny as former U.S. gymnast facing misconduct allegations judges Olympic Trials

A sports watchdog organization is facing criticism for its handling of a misconduct case involving a gymnastics coach who is a judge at this week’s Olympic trials in Minneapolis.

A sports watchdog organization is facing criticism for its handling of a misconduct case involving a gymnastics coach who is a judge at this week’s Olympic trials in Minneapolis.

Anna Li, an uneven bars specialist who was an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and won a bronze medal at the 2012 U.S. Championships, is being investigated for alleged physical and verbal misconduct directed at the young athletes she coached. She was named as a trials judge in December by a USA Gymnastics selection committee. 

The appointment had raised concerns from some gymnasts and parents about the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s reporting and investigatory processes. Both Li and her accusers say the organization — which is supposed to address misconduct in Olympic-affiliated sports — is not doing enough to move the investigation along. 

“I was speechless. I believe it should not be allowed,” former gymnast Riley Milbrandt said about Li’s role in this week’s trials. “She should not be allowed the privilege of having a high-level judging placement like the 2024 Olympic Trials.” 

Li’s lawyer, Russel Prince, said “there is no other organization in the United States that can leave a person or business under this type of cloud for years without an opportunity to fully resolve the matter.” He added, “This is yet another case that clearly illustrates the Center is wholly incapable of reasonable investigations or adjudications of administrative complaints. ... [It] serves neither claimants or respondents in a fundamentally fair and lawful manner.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/safesport-anna-li-gymnastics-olympic-trials-judge-rcna143431

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