The Associated Press

USA Swimming CEO Chuck Wielgus has withdrawn from this year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame induction class, a week after the release of a report that criticized the handling of sexual abuse cases by the organization under his leadership.

USA Swimming and the Hall of Fame released a joint statement Monday night saying “The induction ceremony should be a time to celebrate our sport.”

The independent report recommended 39 changes to better protect underage athletes from predatory coaches. Later in the week, the Women’s Sports Foundation called for Wielgus to be removed from the Hall of Fame class.

The ISHOF and USA Swimming say they “are committed to working constructively together with other organizations, including the Women’s Sports Foundation, to end sexual abuse and ensure a safe culture for athletes.”

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