SafeSport lists gymnastics coach Artur Akopyan as permanently ineligible

The disciplinary database lists physical and emotional misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The decision remains subject to appeal.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport listed gymnastics coach Artur Akopyan on October 7 as permanently ineligible to participate in programs within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Its database lists physical and emotional misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct as the bases for the action. The center says the decision is not yet final and may be appealed.

USA Gymnastics also added Akopyan to its list of people ineligible for membership. The sanction bars participation in activities and programmes run by its member clubs and organizations. The Washington Post previously reported that ten former gymnasts said Akopyan physically abused them or teammates when they were children. Nine said he threw young athletes to the floor in anger.

Former gymnasts also described yelling, humiliation and mockery of injuries. Four said he touched or pinched their buttocks without consent. Akopyan and colleague Galina Marinova previously denied allegations of mistreatment. SafeSport separately imposed a temporary contact restriction on Marinova within the USA Gymnastics system from October 7, 2026, through October 7, 2027.

Akopyan competed for the Soviet Union and won three world championship medals: team gold in 1979 and 1981 and vault gold in 1983. He later coached, including Olympic champion McKayla Maroney. The complaints and SafeSport record belong to separate proceedings, and the disciplinary listing is not a criminal conviction.