A 16-month investigation made public Tuesday reveals child sexual abuse allegations against Ted Nash, a two-time Olympic medalist and nine-time Olympic coach who has enjoyed legendary status in the sports world for decades. was found to be credible and his accusations were found to be credible. The main accuser had no motive to lie about the abuse.
A 154-page report by law firm Shearman & Sterling, which was commissioned by US Rowing, the US sports governing body, to investigate the claims against Mr. Nash, says that director Jennifer Fox, now 64 and living in Manhattan, , her statement that Mr. Nash had a sexual relationship with her more than 50 years ago and sexually assaulted her multiple times was believable. She was 13 at the time and he was a 40-year-old running coach.
The abuse, which lasted about a year, ended in 1973, Fox said, and her memories of the abuse were depicted in the 2018 film “The Tale,” which did not name Nash. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 88.
His widow, Jean Nash, did not immediately respond to voice and text messages seeking comment. Last year, she told the New York Times that she was shocked and saddened by the accusations, calling it “totally unfair” for Ms. Fox to name Ted now that she can't defend herself. said.
The report specifically states that the law firm was not tasked with finding evidence that met legal standards for proof of abuse. However, the company announced that interviews with approximately 47 witnesses who had interacted with Nash or Fox corroborated many of Nash's claims against him. The investigation also found no evidence to “clearly refute” her accusations or any motive for lying about the abuse, the report said.
The accusations against Mr. Nash, who has served as a father figure to many athletes over the years on and off the water, became public in 2023 when Mr. Fox told his story to the New York Times.
Her claims shocked the sporting world, with a former elite female rower coming forward to a law firm to describe sexual advances by Mr. Nash, who she coached in recent years. According to the report, she was over 18 years old and he was over 35 years older when Nash visited her apartment under the pretext of dropping off her home decor. The man grabbed her by the neck and tried to kiss her, the report said.
On Tuesday, following the law firm's findings, U.S. Rowing announced that it would honor the 2005 Man of the Year and the 2013 highest honors given for “Outstanding Achievement” and “Achievement.” and rescinded his honors, including the Medal of Honor. An extraordinary feat in sport.”
In a phone interview Tuesday, Fox said the report and US Rowing's subsequent actions left her feeling stymied. That was what she wanted, she said, because it sends a strong message to people who commit sexual crimes against children.
“Even if we couldn't let you live, we would let you die,” she said, referring to Mr. Nash's death three years ago. “Your legacy could be ruined.”
A statement on US Rowing's website said: “We understand that this outcome may be difficult for some members of our community, but we are committed to a safe, cruelty-free environment for the boating community. “Our commitment is unwavering.”
The future of Nash's Olympic medals (gold in 1960, bronze in 1964) remains uncertain. The Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee did not respond to an email seeking clarification.
