WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, will convene a hearing on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. entitled, “Olympic Abuse: The Role of National Governing Bodies in Protecting Our Athletes.”

“As part of the subcommittee’s ongoing investigation, we have invited athletes representing multiple sports to testify at our first hearing,” said Moran. “We appreciate the willingness of these athletes – who share in our determination to root out abuse in youth sport governing bodies – to share their stories and aid in our investigation to protect all USOC athletes, at all levels, in all sports.”

“This week’s hearing is a critical step forward in our investigation into the serious systemic abuses across generations of young athletes,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the subcommittee’s ranking member. “Former gymnasts and their families sat down with me and Chairman Moran to share their deeply personal stories, further underscoring the urgency of rooting out appalling abuse in amateur sports. I continue to be in awe of the incredible bravery of the athletes who have spoken out to help advance this investigation – and to ensure no child athlete has to suffer again.”

This hearing will provide a forum for survivors of abuse to discuss specific concerns and challenges in preventing abuse within their respective sports. Athletes will also have an opportunity to provide lawmakers with advice on overseeing the implementation of the recently enacted “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017” (P.L. 115-126), authorizing an independent entity to investigate and prevent abuse of athletes.

Witnesses:

• Ms. Jordyn Wieber, Gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist (London, 2012)
• Ms. Jamie Dantzscher, Gymnast and Olympic Bronze Medalist (Sydney, 2000)
• Ms. Bridie Farrell, Speedskater and 2014 Olympic hopeful
• Mr. Craig Maurizi, Figureskater

Hearing Details:

Wednesday, April 18, 2018
2:30 p.m.
Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security

This hearing will take place in Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on www.commerce.senate.gov.

4/16/18 UPDATE: added witness list and quotes from Sens. Moran and Blumenthal

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