US Olympic Coaches Fired After Medal Wins
- Fong and Barutjan run the prestigious Great American Gymnastics Express (GAGE) club in Blue Springs, where they have coached many of America's Olympic and World Championship medalists over...
- GAGE officials said Tuesday that they disagree with SafeSport's decision and plan to appeal.
- As reported by Reuters, two of his former students died after health problems stemming from gymnastics.
Fong and Barutjan run the prestigious Great American Gymnastics Express (GAGE) club in Blue Springs, where they have coached many of America’s Olympic and World Championship medalists over the past decades. Fong was suspended until December 22, 2030, former Soviet Union representative from Armenia Barutyan was suspended for one year.
GAGE officials said Tuesday that they disagree with SafeSport‘s decision and plan to appeal. Back in November, Barutjanová was a member of the coaching team of the American national team at the Junior World Championships, where her club protege Lavi Crainová competed.
Fong’s coaching tenure has sparked controversy before. As reported by Reuters, two of his former students died after health problems stemming from gymnastics. Julissa Gomez, paralyzed after a ski jumping accident, died in 1991, and Christy Henrich died of complications related to an eating disorder in 1994. Fong has always denied allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female charges.