Team USA fencer Alen Hadžić is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct. Despite the investigation, he was allowed to go to Tokyo.
Many of his teammates think he shouldn’t have been there and have criticized both SafeSport and USA Fencing.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
Many of his teammates think he shouldn’t have been there and have criticized both SafeSport and USA Fencing.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
In May, Alen Hadžić narrowly clinched a spot on the US Men's Olympic fencing team as an alternate.
After his qualification was announced, multiple fencers and coaches came forward slamming the decision on Instagram.
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After his qualification was announced, multiple fencers and coaches came forward slamming the decision on Instagram.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
SafeSport, a nonprofit in charge of handling sexual misconduct allegations within Olympic sports, began investigating Hadžić soon after. At least three women came forward with claims of sexual misconduct dating to 2013.
SafeSport suspended him on June 2.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
SafeSport suspended him on June 2.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
The suspension was lifted on June 28 and Hadžić was allowed to go to Tokyo.
USA Fencing implemented a "safety plan" that required Hadžić to stay at a hotel separate from the Olympic Village and prevented men's and women's épée fencers from interacting.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
USA Fencing implemented a "safety plan" that required Hadžić to stay at a hotel separate from the Olympic Village and prevented men's and women's épée fencers from interacting.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
Hadžić objected to USA Fencing's "safety plan."
The complaint has stoked outrage in the fencing community. Twenty-three Team USA fencers — everyone in Tokyo besides Hadžić — signed a letter demanding Hadžić be kept out of the Olympic Village.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
The complaint has stoked outrage in the fencing community. Twenty-three Team USA fencers — everyone in Tokyo besides Hadžić — signed a letter demanding Hadžić be kept out of the Olympic Village.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
Three Team USA fencers at the Olympics — Jake Hoyle, Curtis McDowald, and Yeisser Ramirez — donned pink face masks on July 30, reportedly in an act of protest against Hadžić.
A source told BuzzFeed News the "disdain was clear" between the teammates.
insider.com/team-usa-fence…
A source told BuzzFeed News the "disdain was clear" between the teammates.
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The SafeSport probe centers around an incident of sexual assault at Columbia University in 2013. Columbia found Hadžić guilty and suspended him for one year.
The victim reported the investigation to SafeSport following Hadžić’s Olympic qualification.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
The victim reported the investigation to SafeSport following Hadžić’s Olympic qualification.
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Eight fencers and officials Insider spoke to criticized both USA Fencing and SafeSport for their handling of the 2013 allegations and for failing to address other warning signs about his conduct, which one fencer described as erratic and dangerous.
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businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
Many fencers cited a 2019 incident in Cali, Colombia, in which Hadžić went missing for two days.
His disappearance, which four fencers said was caused by partying, was alarming enough for fencing officials to send out an email to the entire delegation.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
His disappearance, which four fencers said was caused by partying, was alarming enough for fencing officials to send out an email to the entire delegation.
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
According to the US Fencing Association Athlete Handbook, all USA Fencing members must be in "good standing" with the organization.
But when asked to define "good standing," Jim Neale, USA Fencing's general counsel, only replied, "No, I can't help you."
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
But when asked to define "good standing," Jim Neale, USA Fencing's general counsel, only replied, "No, I can't help you."
businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
More than 20 fencers and coaches spoke with Insider about Hadžić and the handling of the claims against him. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation from Hadžić, USA Fencing, or other members of the fencing community.
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businessinsider.com/us-olympic-fen…
Hadžić has thus far denied the allegations against him, telling USA Today: "Frankly, they're untruths. They're just frankly not true.''
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