Finley Weldon, a former competitive gymnast, says a coach sexually abused her while she was training — an allegation she is speaking about publicly in an exclusive interview with CBS News. Weldon’s account comes years after USA Gymnastics pledged reforms following the abuse scandal involving former team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted after hundreds of women came forward.
“They were brave and they spoke out [about Larry Nassar] so this wouldn’t happen again. And it happened again,” Weldon told CBS News, describing the pain of seeing another athlete report abuse after survivors had called for change. Her statement echoes broader concerns about whether national and local programs have done enough to protect athletes in the years since the Nassar revelations.
Weldon’s allegation is an accusation against a former coach from the period when she was training. She described the impact of the alleged incidents on her life and on her trust in the institutions meant to keep gymnasts safe.
CBS News reported the interview; correspondent Jim Axelrod provided coverage. Weldon’s account is part of continuing scrutiny of athlete safety inside gymnastics programs. The claims are allegations; they have not been proven in court. CBS News’ segment offers Weldon’s perspective and situates her story in the context of the sport’s efforts — and ongoing questions — about prevention and accountability after the Nassar scandal.