Investigative reporting by AP reveals a gymnastics coach's recent arrest due to allegations of sexually abusing three underage athletes in a lengthy investigation.

In a groundbreaking investigative report, AP sports writers Ryan J. Foley and Eddie Pells, along with Top Stories editor Mary Sedor, have uncovered a shocking case of sexual abuse in the gymnastics community. The trio was awarded the Best of the Week - First Winner for their dogged work on the accountability story.

At the heart of the investigation is former coach Sean Gardner, who worked at a prestigious gymnastics training facility. Gardner has been accused of sexually abusing athletes, with the reporting noting his tenacity in leaving no angle unexplored.

One of the key developments in the case came when Foley uncovered old YouTube videos of Gardner discussing his promotions at Chow's Gymnastics with local Iowa media. This discovery, coupled with the reporting's thorough investigation into the investigation and SafeSport's role, has shed new light on the case.

The reporting also includes an interview with one of the athletes who bravely shared her story. The victim's mother was impressed by the reporting and helped arrange an exclusive follow-up interview with her daughter. However, the name of the victim's mother remains undisclosed for privacy reasons.

Investigators found a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gym where Gardner used to work in Mississippi, which was used to record girls as young as 6 who were nude, using the toilet, or undressing. This chilling discovery underscores the severity of the allegations against Gardner.

The reporting also revealed that Gardner managed to get a job at an Iowa hospital, despite the allegations against him. It was also found that police in Iowa had been aware of the allegations against Gardner for more than three years but hadn't filed any charges.

AP sports writer Eddie Pells had previously published a series of scoops on the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the watchdog group that had quietly suspended Gardner. Foley, Pells, and Sedor teamed up to broaden the reporting and sharpen the focus of an accountability story on Gardner, the investigation, and SafeSport's role.

Foley also confirmed that the documents regarding Gardner had been mistakenly made public, then quickly sealed once he started asking questions. The articles and video linked provide further details on the case of Sean Gardner, the investigation, and SafeSport's role.

This investigative report serves as a reminder of the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. The team's dedication to uncovering the truth and bringing it to light is commendable, and we hope it will lead to further action and reform within the gymnastics community.

Investigative reporting by AP reveals a gymnastics coach's recent arrest due to allegations of sexually abusing three underage athletes in a lengthy investigation.