A gymnast chalks up their hands before performing on the uneven bars during the event against Illinois on Feb. 17, 2018 at Jenison Fieldhouse.
—While testifying before a House committee on Wednesday, USA Gymnastics CEO Kerry Perry apologized to "all who were harmed" by ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse and said USA Gymnastics is in mediation with Nassar survivors who have sued the organization.
Perry, who faced the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations to answer questions regarding sexual abuse in Olympic sports on Wednesday, outlined the actions USA Gymnastic's has taken in light of Nassar's abuse.
The subcommittee has been examining the "Olympic community's ability to protect athletes from sexual abuse" for months.
In a statement read to the House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, Perry said she was "appalled and sickened by the despicable crimes of Larry Nassar" and the organization must do better to protect the safety of their athletes.
"First, I want to apologize to all who were harmed by the horrific acts of Larry Nassar," Perry said in the statement. "I was in the courtroom to listen to the incredibly courageous women explain in vivid and painful detail the damage he did to their lives. Their powerful voices will not be forgotten."
Perry said USA Gymnastics is on a "new path" with new leadership and actions to ensure something similar to Nassar's abuse never happens again.
Perry outlined several forms of action USA Gymnastics has made within the past five months regarding preventing sexual assault, including:
"We have taken decisive action to grow into a more athlete-centered organization, committed to helping our athletes fulfill their dreams," Perry said in her statement. "We will be there for them to help them realize their potential in a safe and supportive environment."
When asked at the hearing why USA Gymnastics did not provide comprehensive data to the subcommittee, Perry said the sports federation does not have complete data on complaints of sexual abuse that have occurred in the past, but 275 cases were opened between January and April.
Read Perry's full statement below.
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