Aja Evans, a 2014 Olympic bobsled bronze medalist, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a doctor who worked on Team USA's medical staff subjected her to nearly a decade of sexual abuse and harassment during treatment.

The doctor, Jonathan Wilhelm, a chiropractor who resides in Montana, as well as the United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation were named as defendants in the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in a state court in upstate New York.

Evans, 35, said in a news release on Thursday that Wilhelm's "repeated molestation and sexual assault" left her "physically and emotionally damaged, to the point where I experience chronic anxiety and fell out of love with the sport of bobsledding."

The lawsuit said Wilhelm's treatment "mirrors the abuse perpetuated" by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor serving a potential 175-year prison sentence following his 2018 conviction for sexually abusing female gymnasts.

Ryan Stevens, a lawyer for Wilhelm, said his client "wholeheartedly denies the detestable claims against him," and called comparing Wilhelm to Nassar "disgraceful and defamatory." The USOPC said it had not reviewed the complaint, but "remains&nbsp;committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Team USA athletes," including by eliminating abuse.

USA Bobsled said in an email to Reuters that it could not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but condemns sexual misconduct and remains committed to promoting a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gymnastics-simone-biles-set-to-compete-in-sixth-world-championships-638138">Gymnastics: Simone Biles set to compete in sixth world championship</a>s

According to Evans' attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel, her client suffered "abhorrent and persistent sexual and emotional abuse" at the hands Wilhelm, whom she said was sheltered and enabled by USA Bobsledding and the USOPC's "culture of silence."

"Unfortunately, her experience is all too common and is in many ways similar to the widespread sexual abuse USA gymnasts faced by Larry Nassar," Simpson Tuegel said. "While nothing can erase the trauma Aja suffered, we are committed to bringing both Mr. Wilhelm and the national organizations which enabled his predation to justice."

The lawsuit said Wilhelm began treating Evans in 2012, and that during the treatment he "touched and groped Ms. Evans' genitals and body in contravention of any applicable medical standards." Evans said it was well known among athletes that Wilhelm would, regardless of their injuries, find a reason to "go for the adductor," a group of muscles located on the inner thighs.

She also alleges that Wilhelm had been reported for videotaping and photographing Evans and others in various states of undress during treatment sessions and prior to competition at the USOPC training facility in Lake Placid, New York.

Evans and her teammate formally reported Wilhelm's repeated non-consensual photography in 2017 to USA Bobsled, but the USOPC and USA Bobsled dismissed the complaint and failed to initiate any sort of investigation, according to the lawsuit.

"Rather than being protected, believed, and taken seriously, Ms. Evans was subjected to investigation and degradation by the USOPC and USA Bobsled governing bodies," the lawsuit said. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for pain and suffering, medical damages and other harm, plus punitive damages.

Evans won a bronze medal in the two-woman bobsled at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In November 2022, Evans received a two-year ban from bobsledding for not submitting a sample during an out-of-competition drug test the previous March.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Aja Evans, a 2014 Olympic bobsled bronze medalist, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a doctor who worked on Team USA's medical staff subjected her to nearly a decade of sexual abuse and harassment during treatment.

Aja Evans, a 2014 Olympic bobsled bronze medalist, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a doctor who worked on Team USA's medical staff subjected her to nearly a decade of sexual abuse and harassment during treatment. The doctor, Jonathan Wilhelm, a chiropractor who resides in Montana, as well as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation were named as defendants in the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in a state court in upstate New York. Evans, 35, said in a news release on Thursday that Wilhelm's "repeated molestation and sexual assault" left her "physically and emotionally damaged, to the point where I experience chronic anxiety and fell out of love with the sport of bobsledding." The lawsuit said Wilhelm's treatment "mirrors the abuse perpetuated" by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor serving a potential 175-year prison sentence following his 2018 conviction for sexually abusing female gymnasts. Ryan Stevens, a lawyer for Wilhelm, said his client "wholeheartedly denies the detestable claims against him," and called comparing Wilhelm to Nassar "disgraceful and defamatory." The USOPC said it had not reviewed the complaint, but "remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Team USA athletes," including by eliminating abuse. USA Bobsled said in an email to Reuters that it could not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but condemns sexual misconduct and remains committed to promoting a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers. Also read: Gymnastics: Simone Biles set to compete in sixth world championships According to Evans' attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel, her client suffered "abhorrent and persistent sexual and emotional abuse" at the hands Wilhelm, whom she said was sheltered and enabled by USA Bobsledding and the USOPC's "culture of silence." "Unfortunately, her experience is all too common and is in many ways similar to the widespread sexual abuse USA gymnasts faced by Larry Nassar," Simpson Tuegel said. "While nothing can erase the trauma Aja suffered, we are committed to bringing both Mr. Wilhelm and the national organizations which enabled his predation to justice." The lawsuit said Wilhelm began treating Evans in 2012, and that during the treatment he "touched and groped Ms. Evans' genitals and body in contravention of any applicable medical standards." Evans said it was well known among athletes that Wilhelm would, regardless of their injuries, find a reason to "go for the adductor," a group of muscles located on the inner thighs. She also alleges that Wilhelm had been reported for videotaping and photographing Evans and others in various states of undress during treatment sessions and prior to competition at the USOPC training facility in Lake Placid, New York. Evans and her teammate formally reported Wilhelm's repeated non-consensual photography in 2017 to USA Bobsled, but the USOPC and USA Bobsled dismissed the complaint and failed to initiate any sort of investigation, according to the lawsuit. "Rather than being protected, believed, and taken seriously, Ms. Evans was subjected to investigation and degradation by the USOPC and USA Bobsled governing bodies," the lawsuit said. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for pain and suffering, medical damages and other harm, plus punitive damages. Evans won a bronze medal in the two-woman bobsled at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In November 2022, Evans received a two-year ban from bobsledding for not submitting a sample during an out-of-competition drug test the previous March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Olympic medalist Aja Evans sues US bobsled team doctor for sexual abuse

On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach&nbsp;Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29.

While&nbsp;The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in and urged the Indian Olympic Association that accreditation be given to Lovlina's coach at the earliest, another Indian athlete has shared of not getting adequate help&nbsp;going into the marquee&nbsp;event. India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well. In addition, Bajrang further exposed IOA officials' lacklustre approach by revealing that he has spoken to them, however,&nbsp;nothing has been done to solve the issue as yet.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-ministry-asks-ioa-to-grant-cwg-village-accreditation-for-boxer-lovlina-borogohains-coach-sources-500568">Sports Ministry asks IOA to grant CWG Village accreditation for boxer Lovlina Borgohain's coach: Sources</a>

<section>"The federation has arranged a UK visa for my physio and he is with me here in the US but I don’t know what will happen after that. He will travel with me to Birmingham but what is the point of having him if he is not given accreditation. He will not have access to venues,”&nbsp;Bajrang told&nbsp;Hindustan Times. "I have also spoken to IOA officials but so far nothing has happened," he added.</section>

It is to be noted that Bajrang will be stepping into the forthcoming CWG 2022 edition after having just recovered from a serious knee injury, including&nbsp;a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, the 28-year-old's&nbsp;personal coach Sujeet Mann is already part of the contingent that is set to fly to Birmingham.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-out-of-cwg22-after-stupendous-run-since-tokyo-2020-javelin-stars-misfortune-catches-up-500802">Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up</a>

Earlier today, the Indian contingent were dealt with a huge blow as javelin star Neeraj Chopra got ruled out of the&nbsp;quadrennial event due to a groin injury. Thus, the onus now firmly lies on the likes of Bajrang, Lovlina, PV Sindhu, India's hockey contingent, women's cricket team, etc.

On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29.

On Monday (July 25), boxer Lovlina Borgohain made heads turn when the 24-year-old Olympic medallist claimed that her coach Sandhya Gurung was denied entry at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG) village and got granted accreditation; denting his training and practice before the showpiece event in Birmingham which gets underway on July 29. While The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in and urged the Indian Olympic Association that accreditation be given to Lovlina's coach at the earliest, another Indian athlete has shared of not getting adequate help going into the marquee event. India's wrestler Bajrang Punia -- who claimed a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020 -- has come forward and slammed the officials for his physio's non-inclusion. He has pointed out that the IOA has not granted an United Kingdom (UK) visa to his physio, who was with him for training in the United States of America (USA) as well. In addition, Bajrang further exposed IOA officials' lacklustre approach by revealing that he has spoken to them, however, nothing has been done to solve the issue as yet. ALSO READ | Sports Ministry asks IOA to grant CWG Village accreditation for boxer Lovlina Borgohain's coach: Sources "The federation has arranged a UK visa for my physio and he is with me here in the US but I don’t know what will happen after that. He will travel with me to Birmingham but what is the point of having him if he is not given accreditation. He will not have access to venues,” Bajrang told Hindustan Times. "I have also spoken to IOA officials but so far nothing has happened," he added. It is to be noted that Bajrang will be stepping into the forthcoming CWG 2022 edition after having just recovered from a serious knee injury, including a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, the 28-year-old's personal coach Sujeet Mann is already part of the contingent that is set to fly to Birmingham. ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra out of CWG'22: After stupendous run since Tokyo 2020, javelin star's misfortune catches up Earlier today, the Indian contingent were dealt with a huge blow as javelin star Neeraj Chopra got ruled out of the quadrennial event due to a groin injury. Thus, the onus now firmly lies on the likes of Bajrang, Lovlina, PV Sindhu, India's hockey contingent, women's cricket team, etc.

After Lovlina, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia slams officials over his physio's non-inclusion for CWG 2022

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu's entry in the women's 55kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games has been rejected, which means she will move back to her pet 49kg division to compete at the quadrennial meet in Birmingham. 
 
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) had earlier planned to enter Chanu in the higher 55kg division to maximise India's medal chances at the CWG, to be held from July 28 to August 8. 
 
The Manipuri ace, who had already qualified for the CWG 49kg event courtesy of being the top-ranked Indian weightlifter in the division, accepted the proposal. She then made the 55kg cut by winning gold at the Singapore Weightlifting International in February, which was the final CWG qualifying event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-chairman-ramiz-raja-considering-resigning-from-his-position-in-wake-of-imran-khans-ouster-as-pakistan-pm-469994">Ramiz Raja considering resigning as PCB chief in the wake of Imran Khan's ouster as Pakistan PM</a> 
 
However, a change in entry rules by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) closed the Tokyo Olympics silver medallists'&nbsp;prospects of competing in the 55kg at CWG 2022. 
 
According to the new rule, a country's top-ranked weightlifter in a category qualifies for the CWG but if they withdraw, the next best lifter doesn't get the berth automatically. As per the old rule, the spot would have gone to the next best or qualified lifter. 
 
Mirabai Chanu's fellow Manipuri lifter Bindyarani Devi is the top-ranked Indian lifter in the 55kg division. Bindyarani was supposed to move up to the 59kg division if Mirabai could have participated in the 55kg as per the IWLF's initial plans, an olympics.com report said on Sunday. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-shares-pic-of-14-year-old-sons-bruised-hand-smashed-phone-after-cristiano-ronaldos-outburst-469977">Woman shares pic of 14-year-old son's bruised hand, smashed phone after Cristiano Ronaldo's outburst</a> 
 
Jhilli Dalabehera was expected to take up Chanu's spot in the 49kg division while Poppy Hazarika was to be India's entry for the 64kg event. 
 
After the latest development, former world champion Mirabai Chanu will move back to her 49kg for the Commonwealth Games while Bindyarani Dev and Poppy Hazarika will compete in the 55kg and 59kg, respectively. India will have no entry for the women's 64kg now. 
 
The 27-year old Chanu is the reigning Commonwealth Games champion in the women's 49kg and all her major international honours, including the Olympic silver and world championships gold medal, have come in in the 48/49kg category. She also holds the world record for clean and jerk (119kg) in the division.

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu's entry in the women's 55kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games has been rejected, which means she will move back to her pet 49kg division to compete at the quadrennial meet in Birmingham.

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu's entry in the women's 55kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games has been rejected, which means she will move back to her pet 49kg division to compete at the quadrennial meet in Birmingham. The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) had earlier planned to enter Chanu in the higher 55kg division to maximise India's medal chances at the CWG, to be held from July 28 to August 8. The Manipuri ace, who had already qualified for the CWG 49kg event courtesy of being the top-ranked Indian weightlifter in the division, accepted the proposal. She then made the 55kg cut by winning gold at the Singapore Weightlifting International in February, which was the final CWG qualifying event. ALSO READ: Ramiz Raja considering resigning as PCB chief in the wake of Imran Khan's ouster as Pakistan PM However, a change in entry rules by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) closed the Tokyo Olympics silver medallists' prospects of competing in the 55kg at CWG 2022. According to the new rule, a country's top-ranked weightlifter in a category qualifies for the CWG but if they withdraw, the next best lifter doesn't get the berth automatically. As per the old rule, the spot would have gone to the next best or qualified lifter. Mirabai Chanu's fellow Manipuri lifter Bindyarani Devi is the top-ranked Indian lifter in the 55kg division. Bindyarani was supposed to move up to the 59kg division if Mirabai could have participated in the 55kg as per the IWLF's initial plans, an olympics.com report said on Sunday. ALSO READ: Woman shares pic of 14-year-old son's bruised hand, smashed phone after Cristiano Ronaldo's outburst Jhilli Dalabehera was expected to take up Chanu's spot in the 49kg division while Poppy Hazarika was to be India's entry for the 64kg event. After the latest development, former world champion Mirabai Chanu will move back to her 49kg for the Commonwealth Games while Bindyarani Dev and Poppy Hazarika will compete in the 55kg and 59kg, respectively. India will have no entry for the women's 64kg now. The 27-year old Chanu is the reigning Commonwealth Games champion in the women's 49kg and all her major international honours, including the Olympic silver and world championships gold medal, have come in in the 48/49kg category. She also holds the world record for clean and jerk (119kg) in the division.

Commonwealth Games 2022: Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu's entry in women's 55kg category rejected