Ex-swimmer sues coach, USA Swimming over alleged sexual abuse, misconduct

Coach, USA Swimming sued on sex abuse claims

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The governing body of U.S. competitive swimming is facing another lawsuit claiming it did not protect a young swimmer from being sexually abused by her coach.

The lawsuit announced Wednesday in San Jose accuses USA Swimming of negligence and says the organization was responsible for the coach’s behavior.

The suit alleges swim coach Norm Havercroft sexually abused plaintiff Jancy Thompson during a five-year period, beginning when she was about 15 years old at a swim club in Los Gatos.

The claims are the latest against USA Swimming, which has come under fire for its handling of alleged abuse cases.

The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of alleged sexual abuse. However, the 28-year-old Thompson has chosen to speak publicly.