Bridie Farrell, a former competitive speed skater, initiated legal action against the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and U.S. Speedskating in 2020. She accused these organizations of failing to protect her from sexual abuse by Andy Gabel, a former Olympic speed skater.

On July 24, 2026, a federal judge made a significant decision regarding this case. Nearly six years after the lawsuit was filed, the judge ruled that Farrell’s claims of negligence could move forward to trial. This decision marks a notable development in the legal proceedings, as it rejects the attempts by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and U.S. Speedskating to have the case dismissed.

This ruling highlights ongoing legal challenges for major sports organizations concerning their responsibility to safeguard athletes. Farrell’s allegations against the organizations point to a broader issue of ensuring athlete safety and accountability within sports institutions.