Let’s talk about Legacy Elite Gymnastics Club in Aurora, Illinois. This place was supposed to be a hub of talent and triumph, right? But things took a dark turn. After a six-year investigation (yes, six years), SafeSport has finally suspended head coach Anna Li and her mom, Jiani Wu, who also co-owns the club. The reason? Allegations of “physical and emotional” abuse.

For years, Legacy Elite looked like the perfect place for young gymnasts to chase their dreams. The cheers, the medals, the triumph—it all seemed flawless. But behind that polished image, something darker was unfolding. In 2019, the Chicago Tribune had already reported multiple cases of abuse against the Li coaches. SafeSport, the watchdog for misconduct in Olympic sports, finally stepped in, but it took way longer than expected. With so many delays, questions are being raised about how effective SafeSport really is when it comes to protecting athletes.

Now, meet Riley Milbrandt—the 22-year-old Illinois state bar champion and regional beam champion, who’s also a former gymnast at Legacy Elite. She trained there between the ages of 11 and 16 and recently shared the trauma she endured. “I was, like, physically pushed into the beam, and I actually got, like, a burn on my leg, and it was bleeding,” Riley confessed. Back then, she blamed herself, thinking it was her fault. But with time, she realized what happened wasn’t just harsh—it was outright wrong.

Riley’s mom, Corrina, also shared her side of the story. “We knew deep down that it was just not a healthy environment. I hold a lot of guilt and I would’ve gotten her out of there way sooner had I known what I know now,” she admitted. For parents like Corrina, the guilt of not acting sooner can feel overwhelming. SafeSport surely delayed justice but didn’t dismiss it.

You reap what you sow is the only policy

Coach Anna Li, who was once an alternate on the 2012 US Olympic team and a member of the 2010 NCAA Champion UCLA women’s gymnastics team, has received a 9-month suspension, and former Chinese Olympian coach Jiani Wu is under a 12-month suspension. Both coaches have denied the allegations. Their attorneys are calling the claims “categorically false” and blasting SafeSport’s investigation process as “wholly incapable of reasonable investigations.” They’ve made it clear that they plan to appeal the decision, which means this case is far from over.

SafeSport’s CEO, Ju’Riese Colón, has acknowledged the delays in resolving this case. In a statement, she said, “I am sorry that it took nearly six years to bring answers.” But that apology isn’t enough for many. The fact that it took so long for action to be taken has sparked criticism of SafeSport’s effectiveness and raised concerns about the protection of young athletes in Olympic sports. For Riley and her family, the suspensions bring some relief, but it’s a bittersweet victory. The years of pain and trauma they endured cannot be erased, and this isn’t the first time. And while this decision sets an example, it also highlights a deeper issue in sports—how do we ensure young athletes are safe?

This case isn’t just about one gymnastics club in Aurora. It’s about holding people accountable and creating a safer environment for athletes everywhere. As Li and Wu prepare to appeal, all eyes are on SafeSport to see how this unfolds. If you want the full story, ABC7 is airing an in-depth report at 10 p.m. Friday. This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a wake-up call for everyone involved in sports to do better, be better, and protect those who trust the system the most. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!