Canadian gymnast tells of sexual, emotional abuse by coach

By EDDIE PELLS
AP National Writer

A former member of the Canadian national gymnastics team wrote a public letter accusing the country’s 2016 Olympic coach of inappropriate and unwanted touching.  The letter by Abby Pearson Spadafora revealed the latest in a long series of allegations of sexual, emotional and physical abuse by coaches Dave and Elizabeth Brubaker, who have been banned by Gymnastics Canada. A group of 11 gymnasts, including Spadafora, took part in the investigation by Gymnastics Canada. They are also among the some 480 athletes who have signed a petition asking the Canadian government to commission an independent third-party investigation into abuses at the club, as well.