At least 368 American gymnasts have alleged sexual abuse from coaches over a period spanning 20 years.
News of the scandal - the result of a nine-month joint investigation by USA Today and the Indianapolis Star - comes as British police forces investigate allegations of widespread historical abuse of young players at football clubs.
The USA Gymnastics scandal includes allegations that a 12-year-old was molested by a coach during "therapy" sessions, children as young as six were photographed nude by coaches and several coaches routinely slipping fingers into young girls' leotards.
One coach is also said to have routinely had sex with a 14-year-old girl at one of the USA's "most prestigious gyms".
The investigation involved a review of hundreds of police files and court cases around the country and revealed that coaches were often fired for inappropriate behaviour, only to be rehired at other gyms where alleged abuse continued.
"We are saddened when any athlete has been harmed in the course of his or her gymnastics career," USA Gymnastics told the Star.
"Nothing is more important to USA Gymnastics, the board of directors and CEO Steve Penny than protecting athletes, which requires sustained vigilance by everyone – coaches, athletes, parents, administrators and officials."
The publications also alleged that USA Gymnastics has fought the release of documents that detail how Penny and colleagues have dealt with molestation claims in the past.
Neil Wilkes
