BALANCING ACT

USA Gymnastics Names Li Li Leung as New CEO

As the organization struggles to recover from the shocking Larry Nassar abuse scandal.

USA Gymnastics announced Tuesday that it has appointed Li Li Leung, a former competitive gymnast and NBA vice president, as the new president and CEO of the embattled organization. “I was in a great position at the NBA and I wasn’t looking to leave,” Leung said on a conference call, according to USA Today. “Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life and, to this day, I’m still embedded in this sport. It really broke my heart to see where the sport was. It compelled me to step forward.” Leung will take the reins in early March, and will be tasked with the tough job of helping the organization re-brand in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal.

Nassar, the organization’s former team physician, was accused of molesting more than 100 young gymnasts—including Olympians Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman—and was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. As a result, the organization faces lawsuits from survivors and the possibility of being decertified by the U.S. Olympic Committee. In December, it filed for bankruptcy. Leung has already pledged to meet with survivors, and refocus the organization to better support its athletes. “Athlete safety will be paramount to what we do,” she said. “When I say safety, I’m talking about emotional, physical and mental well-being. I’m talking about whole package.”

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