University of Utah Gymnast Kara Eaker Retires Citing Verbal and Emotional Abuse by Coach

Investigation into Coach Farden's Conduct Deemed 'Incomplete' as Eaker Reveals Struggle with Mental Health Issues and Claims of Systemic Failure within Athletics Department

• Kara Eaker, a member of the University of Utah women's gymnastics team and two-time gold medalist at the World Championships, announced her retirement from the sport due to alleged 'verbal and emotional abuse' from head coach Tom Farden.
• Eaker claims that the University of Utah's athletic department dismissed her when she tried to report the abusive behavior, contributing to her recent diagnosis of severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, and night terrors.
• Eaker detailed her experiences in social media posts, describing frequent ridicule, derogatory comments, and intense, hurtful outbursts from her coach, leading to a toxic and unsafe training environment.
• An investigation into Coach Farden did not find him guilty of abuse, receiving support from two-thirds of the student-athletes and staff; Eaker challenged these findings, describing the investigation as 'incomplete' and lacking credibility.
• Eaker aims to be part of the solution in addressing abuse within sports, and hopes to aid other young women in sports who have experienced similar situations.

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