Two former University of Utah gymnasts who spoke out about the “emotional and verbal abuse” they say they experienced under a former Red Rocks coach, hope what they went through can be a catalyst for change.
Kara Eaker and Kim Tessen both say it was hard not to fall in love with gymnastics at a young age.
“The thrill of competing and standing up on a podium afterwards to receive the ribbons or a medal, that was just that was so exhilarating,” Eaker told FOX 13 News.
“It just came naturally to me and it was so fun for me to learn new skills,” Tessen added.
Both women say their love for the sport started to change when they experienced abusive coaching at multiple levels of competition. When they got the chance to continue their careers at the University of Utah, they were hoping things would be different.
“I expected the college atmosphere to be more of a loving atmosphere, more of a team mindset, more of a family,” explained Eaker.
Instead Eaker and Tessen claim they were victims of verbal and emotional abuse by former coach, Tom Farden, during their time at the school.