Eleven Canadian gymnasts who pushed for an investigation into abuse allegations by coaches Dave and Elizabeth Brubaker applauded the news Wednesday that the couple has withdrawn appeals of their coaching bans.
“While no punishment can or will reverse the damage done by the abuse we endured as athletes, we are confident the Panel's decision will serve to protect others and prevent future harm from being done,” the gymnasts said in a statement.
“We are moving forward, and the firm conclusion of this process marks the beginning of an opportunity to truly heal, individually and collectively,” their statement said. Further, their behaviour “violated numerous coaching and training standards and obligations relating to athlete safety and protection,” and that, “their repeated misconduct demonstrated a wilful and persistent disregard for the ethical principles that governed their conduct and their obligations as coaches of child and youth athletes.”