Li Li Leung

Gymnastics has been an integral part of my life for more than 35 years — first as an athlete then as a coach and fan. I’ve used the lessons that the sport taught me every day in my professional career. And now, I feel as if my life has come full-circle with my appointment as the president and CEO of USA Gymnastics.

Gymnastics enabled me to get a quality education and taught me skills and values that have made me who I am today: persistence; the importance of teamwork and community; confidence; how to overcome adversity; patience; focus; and ultimately, overall leadership skills.

In the last few years, I followed the news, and like everyone, I was upset and angry to learn about the abuse and the institutions that let our athletes down. After the series of leadership changes last fall, I felt compelled to reach out to USA Gymnastics and offer my assistance to help move the organization forward for the athletes (former, current and future) and the community.

When I accepted the position as CEO, my eyes were wide open. I knew USA Gymnastics was and is at a critical turning point. I believe the combination of lessons that I learned as a gymnast and as an international business executive will be invaluable as we work to regain the trust of our athletes, members, community, the United States Olympic Committee, the media and the general public. We will focus our energies on becoming more of an athlete-centric organization, fostering an environment that is positive, safe and encouraging.

In the last two months, we have worked on achieving several short-term goals that include enhancing athlete safety and well-being; working to reach a fair and full resolution with the survivors; building a management team that works collaboratively and will be held accountable; and connecting with athletes and the community to understand their needs and perspectives. We’ve had some missteps along the way, but that’s to be expected in an organization undergoing change.

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Since I officially began on March 8, I have spoken or met with more than 150 current and former athletes, coaches, club owners, parents, judges, U.S. Olympic Committee staff, media, and others to listen and learn about their thoughts and viewpoints on USA Gymnastics and our future going forward. The common threads through those conversations are the hope and support for the organization, as well as our efforts to become an organization that makes our members proud.

The foundation for moving forward is being put in place. A new board was seated that has a variety of expertise and experience in crucial areas needed to help rebuild the organization. Many safety measures will soon be implemented when we roll out a revamped athlete safety policy. And on the grassroots level, participation and trust in local clubs continues to grow. The safety and interests of our athletes remain at the heart of our mission, and more than 36,000 coaches, administrators, meet directors, judges and club owners are working every day to help athletes achieve their dreams.

8 questions with Li Li Leung:The new CEO trying to save USA Gymnastics from itself

This is more than just a job for me; it is a passion and a calling. I wake up every day energized with a mission and a purpose. I am not done listening and learning because that is an ongoing process. I want and need to hear from critics and supporters alike to gain a complete, 360-degree perspective because the more informed I am, the better decisions the organization will make on behalf of our athlete, professional and club members and the community.

Ultimately, we have lofty but achievable goals, including creating a safe, positive and encouraging environment where our gymnasts can thrive, have fun, be successful and be themselves by having a voice; putting athletes first; and identifying a new value system of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect and collaboration going forward.

I feel fortunate to be leading this transformation from Indianapolis, where I am surrounded by sports leaders who can provide valuable advice. I cannot think of a better place to be making our comeback than Indy.

We know we have a lot of work to do, that it won’t be easy, and that words are not enough on their own. Our hope going forward is that we will be judged by our actions, and that our members, the gymnastics community, and the citizens of Indianapolis will join with us in doing what is best for the athletes, the community and the sport.

Li Li Leung is president and chief executive officer of USA Gymnastics.