The U.S. Center for SafeSport issued a lifetime ban for U.S. Olympic pairs figure skating coach Dalilah Sappenfield due to physical and emotional misconduct, including retaliation, proactive policy violation, abuse of process, and failure to report. SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colón stated that culture change is happening in the sports community, with actions that were once tolerated no longer accepted. The ban came after an investigation that was launched more than two years ago, following allegations of verbal abuse from U.S. national pairs champion Tarah Kayne in 2016. Kayne detailed the abuse, stating that it led her to self-harm while at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in 2019.
A 16-year-old female Russian pairs skater staying at Sappenfield’s home in 2020 also reported an incident to SafeSport. U.S. Figure Skating announced that it adopts the sanction imposed by the Center finding Sappenfield ineligible effective May 29, 2024. SafeSport, a national nonprofit organization founded in 2017, is committed to fostering safe environments for athletes to reach their full potential. Colón emphasized the importance of everyone in the sports community working together to create long-term culture change and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Those who continue to use toxic tactics will be left behind and on the wrong side of history.
Sappenfield had been temporarily barred from having contact with a dozen skaters and coaching without supervision following the allegations from Tarah Kayne. Kayne revealed that Sappenfield’s behavior included constant inappropriate discussions about sex, dating, and gossip from other skaters. Instead of providing support, Sappenfield allegedly made fun of Kayne and shared her struggles with other skaters, leading to a toxic and harmful environment. The abuse eventually drove Kayne to self-harm, highlighting the serious impact of such misconduct on athletes’ mental health and well-being.
The investigation into Sappenfield’s misconduct and subsequent lifetime ban from SafeSport underscore the importance of addressing and preventing abuse and misconduct in sports. The ban serves as a warning to others in the sports community that such behavior will not be tolerated and that accountability is paramount. The details of the allegations against Sappenfield reveal a pattern of abusive behavior that had lasting effects on the athletes under her coaching. The involvement of U.S. Figure Skating in adopting the sanction further reinforces the commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for athletes.
The case of Dalilah Sappenfield serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and action against abuse in sports. Athletes should feel safe and supported in their training environments, and coaches have a responsibility to act ethically and professionally. The involvement of organizations like SafeSport and U.S. Figure Skating in investigating and addressing misconduct sends a clear message that such behavior will be met with consequences. By holding individuals accountable and working together to create a culture of respect and safety, the sports community can strive towards a future where all athletes can thrive and reach their full potential without fear of harm or mistreatment.
