A gymnastics coach and club owner in Aurora, Illinois have been suspended by SafeSport following a lengthy investigation into allegations of abuse. The suspended coach, Anna Li, and co-owner, Jiani Wu, face accusations of physical and emotional misconduct, with a former gymnast alleging years of abuse.
Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Tom JonesAurora Legacy Elite Gymnastics club coach Anna Li and owner Jiani Wu have been suspended by SafeSport after an investigation into abuse allegations. SafeSport has suspended a suburban girls gymnastics coach and a club's co-owner for alleged abuse after a years-long investigation, the ABC7 I-Team has learned. The CEO of SafeSport is apologizing for the years it took to suspend the two gymnastics coaches.
A former gymnast and her mother spoke with ABC7 about the alleged abuse they say went on for years at Legacy Elite. Legacy Elite is a gymnastics club in Aurora. Head Coach Anna Li and her mother, Jiani Wu, have been suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport after a nearly six-year investigation. I was, like, physically pushed into the beam and I actually got, like, a burn on my leg and it was bleeding. At the time, I kind of blamed myself, but later on I realized that this wasn't right that they were hurting me. The ruling was handed down Wednesday by the watchdog agency, which responds to complaints in Olympic sports. It has faced criticism for its effectiveness in handling those investigations. SafeSport's CEO told the ABC 7 I-Team in a statement in part, 'I am sorry that it took nearly 6 years to bring answers.' Attorneys for the suspended co-owner and coach told the I-Team the allegations are, 'categorically false,' and said they do plan to appeal. The cheers and triumph that come with gymnastics competing served as a faade in a 2018 video for the five years of alleged abuse Riley Milbrandt says she endured at Legacy Elite in Aurora between the ages of 11 and 16 years old. She is now 22 and is no longer with the club. 'I was, like, physically pushed into the beam and I actually got, like, a burn on my leg and it was bleeding,' Milbrandt said. 'At the time, I kind of blamed myself, but later on I realized that this wasn't right that they were hurting me.' Milbrandt and her mother then became part of multiple complaints filed by members and parents alleging 'physical and emotional' misconduct at Legacy Elite, leading to the temporary suspensions of Li and Wu, who are both decorated former gymnasts. 'We knew deep down that it was just not a healthy environment,' Riley Milbrandt's mother, Corrina Milbrandt, said. 'I hold a lot of guilt and I would've gotten her out of there way sooner had I known what I know now.
Abuse Gymnastics Abuse Safesport Investigation Coach Suspension
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jets Owner's Son Steals Postgame Moment from Interim CoachWoody Johnson's son, Brick, awarded a game ball to wide receiver Garrett Wilson instead of interim coach Jeff Ulbrich after the Jets' first win since Robert Saleh's firing, leaving players feeling the energy was drained from the room.
Read more »
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Praises Coach Mike McCarthy After Upset WinJerry Jones expresses his satisfaction with Mike McCarthy's coaching after the Dallas Cowboys secured a surprising victory against the Buccaneers. Jones highlights the team's strong performance and emotional commitment, praising McCarthy's ability to motivate them despite being eliminated from playoff contention.
Read more »
Dolphins Owner Reiterates Commitment to Coach McDaniel and General Manager GrierDolphins owner Stephen Ross acknowledged the team's disappointing 2024 season, falling short of playoff expectations. However, he reaffirmed his confidence in head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, stating they will continue to lead the franchise in 2025. Ross emphasized the importance of stability and continuous improvement, promising to analyze shortcomings and implement necessary changes to build a championship-contending team.
Read more »
Jaguars Owner Shad Khan Fires Coach Doug Pederson, Keeps Controversial General Manager Trent BaalkeJacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan has fired head coach Doug Pederson after a disappointing season. Despite fan outcry, Khan has chosen to retain general manager Trent Baalke, raising questions about the team's future direction.
Read more »
Jets Owner Says Aaron Rodgers' Future Will Be Decided by New Coach and GMWoody Johnson stated that the decision regarding Aaron Rodgers' future with the Jets will rest with the newly appointed coach and general manager. Rodgers' inconsistent performance and season-ending Achilles injury have raised questions about his continued role with the team. Johnson emphasized the importance of the coach and GM determining the quarterback situation and the team's overall direction.
Read more »
Giants Owner Says GM and Coach are Staying After 3-14 SeasonThe New York Giants owner, after a disappointing 3-14 season, has announced that General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll will both remain with the team for the upcoming year.
Read more »