Gymnastics governing bodies are facing renewed scrutiny over athlete protection after Judge Rosemarie Aquilina criticised the sport’s safeguarding reforms, arguing that competitors still fear reporting abuse because of the potential consequences for their careers.
According to Reuters, Aquilina made the remarks on Monday, 19 October 2026, during a Gymnasts for Change International event held alongside the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Aquilina previously sentenced former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to a lengthy prison term for sexually abusing gymnasts entrusted to his care.
Aquilina argued that reforms introduced since the Nassar scandal have not gone far enough to ensure accountability and protect athletes. She said competitors may remain reluctant to speak out because they fear losing their opportunities in a sport they have devoted years to pursuing. Her comments were made during a discussion about the progress of safeguarding measures across international gymnastics.
However, Reuters also reported that Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch acknowledged improvements in reporting procedures, whistleblower protections and approaches to supporting people who report abuse. She cautioned that significant challenges remain, particularly where coaches exercise excessive control over athletes. Kim Shore of Gymnasts for Change Canada also highlighted concerns about body shaming, training through injuries and pressure surrounding athletes’ physical appearance.
The discussion comes as World Gymnastics prepares for a leadership transition, with secretary general Nicolas Buompane expected to step down at the end of 2026. The safeguarding debate therefore places additional pressure on the sport’s leadership to demonstrate that athlete welfare is being prioritised alongside competitive success.
According Reuters reports, the representatives from World Gymnastics and USA Gymnastics were not immediately available to comment when the report was published. Their positions should therefore not be inferred from the criticism raised at the event.
(photo courtesy: Reuters).
