A former U.S. Olympic swimming coach’s home in Seattle was searched this week by investigators as a result of allegations that he “took nude photos of a teen swimmer he was sexually exploiting,” seattlepi.com reported late Wednesday.
In a statement Wednesday, Ariana Kukors, a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic swim team who is now 28, says she contacted police about Sean Hutchinson, 46, out of her concern that he might still be abusing children.
“I never thought I would share my story because, in so many ways, just surviving was enough. … But in time, I’ve realized that stories like my own are too important to go unwritten,” Kukors said. “Not for the sake of you knowing my story, but for the little girls and boys whose lives and future hangs 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 it’s tragic consequences before it’s too late.”
Department of Homeland Security investigators on Tuesday searched Hutchison’s downtown Seattle apartment, according to seattlepi.com, recovering electronic devices the investigators say may contain evidence that he sexually exploited swimmers he coached.
{{/usCountry}}Department of Homeland Security investigators on Tuesday searched Hutchison’s downtown Seattle apartment, according to seattlepi.com, recovering electronic devices the investigators say may contain evidence that he sexually exploited swimmers he coached.
{{/usCountry}}Kukors claims Hutchison started sexually abusing her when she was 16. He has not been criminally charged, but the investigation is ongoing.
The 2009 world champion in the 200-meter individual medley, Kukors placed fifth in that event at the London Games. She retired from competitive swimming in 2013.