USA Swimming and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) have released a joint statement regarding the induction of USA Swimming CEO Chuck Wielgus into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The statement reads that Wielgus has withdrawn from the Hall of Fame class of 2014.
All of this follows a call by the Women’s Sports Foundation late last week for Wielgus to be removed, based on a list of complaints involving his handling of sexual abuse within USA Swimming.
Though Wielgus, USA Swimming, and a group of the 5 most recent USA Swimming presidents all stood by the induction in their initial response, their statement sent out late Monday says that “the induction ceremony should be a time to celebrate our sport.” USA Swimming and the ISHOF also made a commitment to work with the Women’s Sports Foundation to end sexual abuse.
Nancy Hogshead-Makar of the Women’s Sports Foundation, who did ask Wielgus to pull out before sending out their public protest last week, says they’re “more than open to working with USA Swimming.” The WSF already been working with coaches and athletes within swimming to work on strategies to improve the culture.
Hogshead-Makar, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, emphasized that despite the last week of public debate with USA Swimming, she feels the two groups can continue to work together amicably in the future to prohibit sexual abuse within swimming.
The group’s next push will be to emphasize the new USA Swimming rules regarding relationships even between adults where a coach-athlete scenario creates an imbalance of power.
A significant named party in the statement from the Hall of Fame comes from their Chairwoman Donna deVarona.
The full statement of Wielgus’ withdrawl, sent to us by International Swimming Hall of Fame President and CEO Bruce Wigo, is below.
After significant reflection and discussion, International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Chairwoman Donna deVarona and President/CEO Bruce Wigo, and USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus jointly announce that Mr. Wielgus’ name will be withdrawn from consideration of the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony should be a time to celebrate our sport and the outstanding accomplishments of the individuals being honored. Both ISHOF and USA Swimming believe our mutual decision is in the best interest of the swimming community as a whole and we are committed to working constructively together with other organizations, including the Women’s Sports Foundation, to end sexual abuse and ensure a safe culture for athletes.
Below is the full statement from the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Very good post.
This is a good start. There is not much hope in changing the sociopaths who sexually abuse children, but the culture of competitive swimming allows it to happen over and over again. Coaches who know, look the other way, and parents don’t want to know if their child is not involved. When a swimmer leaves a team due to emotional distress from sexual abuse, other swimmers are quick to take her place. The problem is all of competitive swimming is responsible. When a child is sexually abused, the whole team is involved. Without support from USA swimming to stop it, the sociopathic coaches will continue to be attracted to the sport. My experience with USA swimming is a lot of… Read more »
I disagree that all of competitive swimming is responsible, and no, the whole team is not necessarily involved. Just as with gossip or anything else, there are those who mind their own business, get their jobs done, and do not make it their duty to know what goings-on outside of practice, there are.
Be careful not to make such sweeping generalizations; those of us who have dealt with such matters in the past, do not appreciate it. Blame the folks who did nothing, or were complicit in such “activities”.
I have experience as my daughter was sexually abused by her coach. The event splintered the team. Victim blaming was rampant. Parents have to adopt a no tolerance policy even if their kids were not involved. That’s the only way this situation will change. In most instances, the victim leaves the team in shame, another swimmer takes her place, and no one wants to discuss it any more. Not getting involved is the same as looking the other way. My post was not a sweeping generalization, but first hand experience. Please don’t tell me to be careful.
didn’t nancy siwm with mitch ivery? wasn’t she aware at the time of his actions? and didn’t she do nothing? isn’t that part of her campaign now– people who knew did nothing? and doesn’t randy reese land in the same place?
If Nancy Hogshead were in charge if USA Swimming, she’d actually have to do something, not just stand on the sideline and point out that those in the game are doing it wrong.
very well done !!!
Yes, I’m sure if Nancy Hogshead was in charge of USA Swimming, none of these instances of abuse would have happened. Maybe we should just declare Wielgus a witch and burn him alive while we are at it. Shame on all of you and get a life Nancy.
Certainly you are kidding! There has been a pattern of willful ignorance on the part of Mr Wielgus, toward at least two prominent cases of abuse, and who knows how many others over his years at the helm of USS.
Be careful whom you attempt to shame, “easyspeed”.
Thank you, Nancy and the Women’s Sports Foundation for your leadership on this issue. We are behind you! Continue your diligence. Thank you to those of you who have suffered. Our hearts and love go out to you. Be strong!
Don’t ever be so crass as to enter his name for induction again!