Former Iowa Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Sean Gardner, a gymnastics coach who moved from Mississippi to Iowa in 2018 to work at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute, was arrested by the FBI on federal child pornography charges more than three years after being suspended from coaching. Gardner was accused of sexually abusing at least three young gymnasts at Chow’s and secretly recording others undressing at his previous job in Mississippi. The suspension and allegations against Gardner reignited criticism of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the agency responsible for investigating sexual abuse in Olympic sports, for its slow and opaque handling of such cases. Despite Gardner's suspension from all contact with athletes, he was reportedly able to secure other employment, raising concerns about SafeSport’s effectiveness in protecting athletes. Chow’s Gymnastics, known for training Olympic champions like Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas, had entrusted Gardner with coaching promising young gymnasts and leading major events before his removal. While SafeSport defends its temporary suspensions during investigations, critics argue the process often leaves victims and the public in the dark for extended periods.