Former Soviet gymnast suspended for life for harassment in the United States
According to gymnasts, Arthur Hakobyan used physical violence against them. He was suspended for “sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.” He was the coach of the USA gymnastics team
The Center for Safe Sports of the United States (SafeSport) for life disqualified former Soviet athlete and ex-coach of the US national gymnastics team Arthur Hakobyan, according to the organization’s website.
The decision involved "physical and emotional misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct." Hakobyan has the right to appeal.
According to Forbes, Hakobyan and his colleague Galina Marinova, who was suspended for a year, received allegations of ill-treatment for several years.
In July 2024, The Washington Post published statements by a dozen former gymnasts who said Hakobyan used physical violence against them or their mates as minors, including when he threw young athletes on the floor, leaving bruises.
Among Hakobyan’s students are Olympic champion and world champion McKayla Maroney and World Championship winner Matty Larson.
During his sports career, Hakobyan became world champion three times, won silver three times and once the bronze of world championships.
