Olympic swimmer Ariana Kukors says she was sexually abused by her coach

The 2018 Olympics are underway in PyeongChang, South Korea. But not all news surrounding the games is celebratory. On Friday, February 9th, Olympic swimmer Ariana Kukors released a statement accusing her former coach Sean Hutchison of sexual assault. She alleges that he began “grooming” her when she was just 13 years old, gaining her trust with the goal of making their relationship sexual.

“I never thought I would share my story, because in so many ways, just surviving was enough. I was able to leave a horrible monster, and build a life I could have never imagined for myself,” Kukors wrote on her website. “But in time, I’ve realized that stories like my own are too important to go unwritten. Not for the sake of you knowing my story, but for the sake of the little girls and boys whose lives and futures hang in the grasp of a horribly powerful and manipulative person. That they may not have to go through the same pain, trauma, horror, and abuse. That their parents, mentors, and guardians are better able to spot the signs of grooming and realize its tragic consequences before it’s too late.”

According to an affidavit for a search warrant, Kukors alleges that Hutchison began abusing her in 2005. She also says he took thousands of explicit photographs of her when she was a minor.

Sean Hutchison denies Ariana Kukors’ allegations.

"I absolutely deny having any sexual or romantic relationship with her before she was old enough to legally make those decisions for herself. Prior to that time, I did nothing to 'groom' her," Hutchison said in a statement to CNN. "I deeply regret that she would make these wild allegations all these years later."

USA Swimming stands with Ariana Kukors.

"Over the last several years, Ariana has worked with USA Swimming as on-camera talent in its digital productions and has truly become a member of the family," the organization said. "We stand by her, and all other victims, in their quest to break their silence and confront their horrific experiences."

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support, it truly means so much to me 🙏🏻

Here is my story:https://t.co/ijIX6LcP3q

— Ariana Smith (Kukors) (@ArianaKukors) February 9, 2018

"I think back on those times now, tearfully asking why no one helped me...why no one stepped in to save me from this monster," Kukors continued on her website. "It’s still hard to comprehend, but Sean had perfected the art of grooming; I wasn’t even aware I needed saving. And as long as I swam fast, it seemed easy enough for the organizations that have masterfully buried these tragedies for years, to once again brush off the rumors."

We applaud Kukors’ bravery and stand with survivors.