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LIU Gymnastics head coach Randy Lane and assistant coach Olivia Courtney have been accused of emotional and mental abuse by the university's gymnasts. Sydney Morris, Talia Folino, Katy Koopman, Jules Rider, Izzy Hilliard, and Alana Ricketts - former gymnasts who represented the LIU, have made these accusations.
Additionally, some other gymnasts have made similar allegations but have chosen not to reveal their identities. The accusations involve the coaches demeaning the athletes instead of providing encouragement, making false promises, creating drama, and an environment where teammates turn their backs on each other, which affected the sporting culture at LIU Gymnastics.
Gymnastics Now shared the stories of Morris and other gymnasts' experiences at LIU on their X account, which has sparked outrage among fans and garnered widespread support for the LIU Gymnastics team members.
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One fan posted that they hope action will be taken regarding the horrible abuse so that something like this doesn’t happen again, stating:
“Hoping these brave athletes didn't speak up for nothing and @LIUAthletics takes action as soon as possible to make sure this horrible abuse doesn't happen again.”
Another fan wrote that these gymnasts deserve much better than the treatment they received from Randy Lane and Olivia Courtney. They wrote:
“Absolutely heartbreaking to read. These athletes deserve so much better🩵 I'm glad they are finally speaking out!”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote that they are proud of the gymnasts for standing up for themselves. They mentioned:
“Heartbroken for what these LIU gymnasts have endured. I believe them and am so proud of them for standing up whether in name or anonymously. This was not okay. They deserved so much better.”
Here are some other fan reactions to the post -
“We love you ALL 🫶🏽 anonymous or name attached, your bravery is not going unrecognised and we value each and every one of ur stories. Wishing all of you love and healing ❤️🩹,” one fan wrote.
“It's hard to express how heartbreaking it is to read these stories. I've supported this team from the start, but I support & believe the gymnasts 1st & foremost! To all the named/unnamed athletes: thank you for sharing, you're beyond brave & deserved so much better then you got," another fan chimed in.
“Proud of each of you for stepping up," another fan tweeted.
A look into Sydney Morris’ career at LIU Gymnastics
Sydney Morris had a stellar career with LIU Gymnastics. Earlier this year, they scripted history by becoming the first gymnast in the history of LIU to win the EAGL All-Around Championship and earn a spot at the NCAA Regionals.
They also collected the all-around and beam titles at the 2024 All-American Classic on February 19. In addition, they were also named the EAGL Rookie of Year in the 2023 season. They concluded their gymnastics career on May 28, 2024, after dedicating 17 years to the sport.
