Three former snowboarders led by Olympic bronze medalist Rosey Fletcher have sued their former coach Peter Foley, the US Ski and Snowboard Association and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees for allegations of sexual abuse.
The associations are accused of covering up the incidents, which are said to have spanned a period of 20 years. According to plaintiffs Fletcher, Erin O’Malley and Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, other female snowboarders were also affected. The associations are charged with “support, permission and approval” of the acts. The abuse had been reported several times and by different athletes without any action being taken, it said.
Foley is accused of using his position to “to force sexual acts“, as well as manipulation, psychological abuse, intimidation and punishment. Foley, who coached the US team from 1994 to 2022, denies the allegations.
Coach now fired
The American Ski and Snowboard Association said it has not yet had an opportunity to investigate the matter. However, possible misconduct by the said trainer was reported to the US Center for SafeSport last year, and the case is still being investigated there. The coach had looked after athletes at the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022. The first allegations against him were made last February, and he was released in March.