Ex-US Olympic Snowboarding Coach Faces Suspension Amidst Sexual Misconduct Claims

Published 08/09/2023, 1:09 PM EDT

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The news of former USA-Olympics snowboarding coach Peter Foley suspension’s sent the entire community into a frenzy. The decision comes after a long series of investigations and probes conducted by SafeSport.

U.S Center for SafeSport released the information about his suspension through their digital disciplinary database.

Peter Foley accused of sexual misconduct

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The sporting body took the decision after conducting a lengthy and over-drawn probe into the allegations made against Peter Foley, back in 2022. Former U.S snowboarder and Olympic representative for snowboarding Callan Chythlook-Sifsof gave everyone a shock after she revealed some devastating details about Peter Foley’s behavior and conduct with his players and staff.

She accused him of acting inappropriately with her during her stint with the US snowboarding team. Fueled by her bravery, two more members of the team came out and spoke against him, Rosey Fletcher and Erin O’Malley. The three women eventually sued Peter Foley for sexual battery and assault, with the claim that he digitally penetrated, groped, and made unwanted sexual comments about women on the team.

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Foley vehemently denied the allegations made against him but that did not stop the US Ski and Snowboard organization from taking the necessary measures. He was placed on administrative leave after the completion of the Winter Olympics and was terminated from his job a month later.

Investigations reveal gruesome details

The investigation and probes revealed the nature, and details of some of the allegations made against him. It included the alleged sexual assault on Lindsey Nikola, a former employee of the snowboarding body in 2008, and Rosey Fletcher, who was at the time only 19 years old. Going back all the way to 1995, veteran snowboarder Erin O’Malley also alleged he behaved inappropriately with her. The three women who filed the lawsuit believed that the testimonies and stories that came out helped them gather strength for the battle.

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The women released a statement through their legal advisory, which said,

“For survivors of assault and harassment, being able to hold your abuser accountable is not always a given.” 

“While this process has been painful, we are gratified that SafeSport has finally issued a ruling helping us remove a predator from his position of power over young women for the next ten years. As women we have stood together to help protect the sport for the future and today we have peace in knowing that the sport is safer.”

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Peter Foley was regarded as the pioneer of snowboarding in the United States of America. He was at the helm of the team for over 28 years, taking them to 7 Olympics himself. He amassed an impressive tally of 35 Olympic medals, men and women combined in his illustrious career. The women themselves called him “the Kingmaker and Queenmaker of the sport.”

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Written by:

Allen James

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Allen David James is a writer covering viral sports moments at EssentiallySports. A Mass Communication graduate, specialized in Journalism, his love and passion for the game of cricket has led him to different junctures in life and brought out immense emotion and drive for a mildly calm individual. Apart from cricket, singing and playing badminton are two activities that help him break away from the pressures of work and deadlines! Here he is now, a content writer, creator and broadcaster, trying to make his way in this wonderful world of sports, where tough never rest!
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce