A 16-month investigation by the law firm Shearman & Sterling found child sexual abuse accusations against Ted Nash, a two-time Olympic medalist and nine-time Olympic coach, to be credible. The main accuser, Jennifer Fox, claimed that Nash sexually abused her when she was 13 years old. The abuse, which lasted several months, included coercing her into having sex with him. The investigation corroborated many of Fox’s allegations against Nash and found no evidence to refute her claims or a motive for her to lie about the abuse. Nash’s widow, Jan Nash, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jennifer Fox expressed relief and closure following the release of the report, stating that the outcome felt like removing a lifelong festering tumor from her body. She hoped that the report would send a strong message to individuals who commit sex crimes against children, even after their death. The allegations against Nash shook the sport, leading another former elite female rower to come forward with her own experience of a sexual advance by Nash nearly two decades ago. The report detailed the rower’s encounter with Nash, where he grabbed her by the neck and attempted to kiss her.
As a result of the law firm’s findings, U.S. Rowing rescinded the honors previously awarded to Nash, including the 2005 Man of the Year and the Medal of Honor. U.S. Rowing emphasized its commitment to creating a safe environment free of abuse for the rowing community. The future of Nash’s Olympic medals, a gold in 1960 and a bronze in 1964, remains uncertain. The International Olympic Committee did not respond to a request for clarification on the status of Nash’s medals.
The report highlighted the impact of Fox’s claims on the sport and the rowing community, prompting additional individuals to come forward with their experiences. The report detailed another woman’s encounter with Nash, where he made a sexual advance toward her years ago. The woman, referred to as Anna in the report, expressed concern about being harassed in the rowing community for participating in the investigation.
Overall, the investigation into the allegations against Ted Nash shed light on the prevalence of sexual abuse in sports and the lasting impact on survivors. The findings of the report provided validation to Jennifer Fox and other accusers, leading to accountability within the rowing community. U.S. Rowing’s decision to rescind Nash’s honors and commitment to creating a safe environment signaled a step towards addressing and preventing abuse in the sport. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and working towards a culture of safety and respect in athletics.
