A former University of Utah gymnast who retired from the sport after alleging emotional and verbal abuse during her time on the team had some questions for state lawmakers Monday:
“My question to all of you and anyone else who cares to listen (is) why is this not taken as seriously as physical abuse or sexual abuse? Why is it not looked at that same way?” Kara Eaker asked members of the Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee.
“And I don’t want to compare this to sexual assault or physical abuse but it is still just as damaging and still just as important to be able to recognize and do something about.”
Eaker, a two-time All-American and U.S. Olympic alternate at the Tokyo Olympics, appeared at the Capitol to testify in favor of a resolution condemning abusive coaching practices.
Rep. Sahara Hayes, D-Salt Lake City, said she drafted the legislation after reading about allegations of abuse surrounding the Utah gymnastics team last summer. Since starting work on the bill, Hayes said she has had parents of college and high school athletes reach out to her, including one who sent her photos of bruises a coach inflicted on her daughter’s arm.