A former gymnast, Fernanda López, made a shocking revelation by reporting the abuse she suffered from her coach, Eduardo Dámazo Rodríguez. López shared her story on Facebook, detailing the abusive situations she experienced since she was 7 years old. She described how her coach would enter her room at night and touch her, causing her profound mental, physical, and sexual harm.
López decided to speak publicly about her experience to prevent other girls from going through the same situation. She expressed her concern about Rodríguez's presence in a gym and in the Mexican Artistic Gymnastics Federation. Furthermore, she indicated that the abuses were not limited to the gym but extended to friends' houses and even a hotel during a sports competition.
Camila Flores, another former gymnast, supported her teammate's accusations and expressed her desire for no other minor to suffer abuses under the supervision of an aggressor. Both former athletes requested that measures be taken against Rodríguez and that he be prevented from working with young people in sports environments.
In light of the dissemination of these accusations, the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports of Nuevo León (INDE) confirmed the dismissal of the accused coach. Although there was no formal complaint, INDE decided to separate Rodríguez from his position and refer the case to the appropriate authorities for a proper investigation. The institute emphasized its commitment to the integrity and safety of the sports community, strongly rejecting any behavior that threatens these principles.
The revelations from López and Flores have generated a significant impact in the sports field, with calls to take firm action to protect athletes and ensure that sports are a safe, ethical, and respectful space in Nuevo León.
