Finley Weldon reflected on the harm her former coach inflicted, expressing pride in her resilience and that of her fellow gymnasts. Sean Gardner, who was arrested for sexually exploiting a child, was her coach at the Iowa Academy, a place known for nurturing Olympians.
Now 18 and about to start her freshman year at Iowa State, Weldon shared her experience with the Associated Press just days after Gardner’s arrest. She emphasized her determination to not let him take away her passion for gymnastics, noting that many of her peers left the sport due to his actions.
“I didn’t want him to take anything from me, something especially I love,” she stated. She also mentioned how she draws inspiration from Olympian Ally Raisman, who bravely spoke about her own trauma, highlighting that the stories of abuse need to be heard and acknowledged.
Though the Associated Press typically does not disclose victims’ identities, Weldon voiced a desire to be named, hoping it could encourage others to speak out. “They didn’t have to go through what I did,” she explained, advocating for those who might prevent similar abuse from happening to younger athletes.
Abuse Reported in 2022
The FBI announced that Gardner had targeted children while coaching at Butterfly’s gymnastics and dance center in West Des Moines, and during previous stints in Mississippi and Louisiana dating back to 2004. As of now, Gardner has not made any public statements regarding the charges against him.
The investigation began after Weldon reported the abuse to SafeSport in 2022, a body established to address misconduct in sports after the Larry Nassar scandal. The West Des Moines Police were notified, but the investigation was reportedly closed when some victims chose not to pursue it. Weldon, however, felt compelled to speak out as she grew older and started to recognize the severity of what she had endured.
Weldon praised the police for keeping her updated on the progress of the case, stating that it took her time to navigate the complexities of bringing charges against Gardner.
Investigative Efforts Defended
Iowa officials revealed that they had searched Gardner’s home in May, where they found incriminating electronic evidence. West Des Moines Police Sergeant Daniel Wade explained that they sought FBI assistance when the investigation began to widen. Charges have now been filed in federal court for creating explicit visual portrayals of minors related to hidden cameras.
Despite concerns over their investigative methods, Wade defended his department’s efforts over the years, stating they had prioritized thoroughness in uncovering new complaints. The police later became more proactive in contacting potential victims.
Reflecting on her journey, Weldon shared how she initially aspired to reach elite levels in gymnastics. After moving to Iowa in 2015, she started training under Gardner and quickly became close to him during lessons. She recounted how Gardner began to exhibit inappropriate behavior, first with seemingly innocent gestures that escalated into more severe offenses over time.
Weldon described a pivotal moment in 2021 when she realized she could no longer tolerate Gardner’s actions, leading her to express her desire to quit gymnastics to her mother. Although many peers left the sport, she persevered, eventually achieving Division 1 status despite the trauma.
After Gardner was arrested, Weldon saw his booking photos and felt a sense of satisfaction seeing the reality of his situation. “He’s definitely going to go through a spiral,” she mused, acknowledging the weight of guilt he might carry.
