USA Gymnastics has announced former gymnast and NBA executive Li Li Leung as the organization’s new CEO.
She takes the position at a time when the embattled organization faces dozens of lawsuits across the country and is undergoing reorganization in federal bankruptcy court.
Leung says she applied for the job in hopes of helping the organization recover and transform into one that’s safe for all athletes.
“After my predecessor left the position, I was very disheartened in terms of the state that the sport and organization was in and it compelled me to come forward and put my name in the hat to be considered,” Leung says.
Her predecessor, Mary Bono, lasted only four days in the position before resigning last October. Since, the position has gone unfilled for months.
Leung says she wants to rebuild the organization.
“If I had one ask, it would be to judge us on our response, judge us on actions going forward, we will learn from the past and look to the future to heal and rebuild,” she says.
However when asked about if her hire is designed to prevent de-certification as the sport’s national governing body, she dodged the question saying she has talked with United States Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland, but her main focus is on the future of USAG.
Leung will officially start her new position with USAG March 8.
