The entire board of the US gymnastics governing body have resigned in the wake of this week’s sentencing of the former national team doctor for molesting female athletes, USA Gymnastics said on Friday, complying with a demand by the US Olympic Committee.
The doctor, Larry Nassar, was sentenced on Wednesday to between 40 and 175 years in prison by a judge in Lansing, Michigan.
On Thursday, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) gave an ultimatum, demanding the members of the Gymnastics board step aside before Jan. 31 or face termination as the sport’s national governing body.
At least five members already had said they had resigned, months after President Steve Penny stepped aside under pressure a result of the scandal.
On Friday, the sporting body confirmed the remaining 16 would also quit.
“USA Gymnastics will comply with the USOC requirements,” spokeswoman Leslie King said.
Meanwhile, the scandal has also seen the US Gymnastics announced that they would close down their national team training centre in Texas, where Nassar abused many of his victims.