U.S. Rowing Strips Honors from Olympic Medalist and Coach Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

U.S. Rowing Strips Honors from Two-Time Olympic Medalist and Coach Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

In a shocking turn of events, U.S. Rowing has stripped honors from a two-time Olympic medalist and nine-time Olympic coach after an investigation found allegations of sexual abuse to be credible. The federation released a 154-page report on Ted Nash, who passed away in 2021, detailing the allegations made by Jennifer Fox that Nash had sexually abused her more than 50 years ago.

According to the report, Fox claimed that Nash had groomed and sexually abused her in 1973 when she was just 13 years old and he was 40. The allegations came to light in Fox’s 2018 movie “The Tale,” where she recounted her experience in a fictionalized account of the abuse without naming Nash. However, in a 2023 story by The New York Times, Fox revealed Nash’s identity, leading to the investigation by U.S. Rowing.

The law firm conducting the report interviewed nearly 50 witnesses who corroborated many of Fox’s claims, and found no evidence to refute her allegations. Despite Nash’s passing and the case being administratively closed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, U.S. Rowing decided to take action based on the gravity of Fox’s claims.

In a statement, U.S. Rowing announced the rescinding of all honors given to Nash, including his 2005 Man of the Year and 2013 U.S. Rowing Medal of Honor. Fox expressed relief at the outcome, likening it to removing a “lifelong festering tumor.”

The decision by U.S. Rowing underscores the commitment to addressing allegations of abuse and misconduct within the sports community, even when they come to light decades later. The case serves as a reminder that no one is above accountability, regardless of their accomplishments in the sporting world.