The U.S. Center for SafeSport has issued a lifetime ban for U.S. Olympic pairs figure skating coach Dalilah Sappenfield due to physical and emotional misconduct. The ban, which includes allegations of retaliation, proactive policy violation, abuse of process, and failure to report, was announced by SafeSport on its central disciplinary database. SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colón commented on the ban, stating that accountability is taking root in the sports community and creating a culture change that requires everyone’s commitment to fostering safe environments for athletes. This ban comes over two years after an investigation was launched into Sappenfield’s behavior.
An investigation into Sappenfield was initiated after allegations of verbal abuse from 2016 U.S. national pairs champion Tarah Kayne. Kayne spoke out about the abuse, detailing how it led her to engage in self-harm by cutting herself with a razor blade while at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in 2019. She described Sappenfield’s inappropriate behavior, which included discussing personal topics such as sex and dating, spreading gossip about skaters, and making fun of Kayne’s mental health struggles instead of providing support. Another incident involving a 16-year-old female Russian pairs skater staying at Sappenfield’s home in 2020 was also reported to SafeSport.
In response to the ban issued by SafeSport, U.S. Figure Skating announced on its website that it adopts the sanction imposed on Sappenfield, making her ineligible effective May 29, 2024. This decision reflects the commitment of the organization to ensuring the safety and well-being of its athletes. Sappenfield did not provide immediate comment to Fox News Digital regarding the ban. The case highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes in sports and holding coaches and officials accountable for their actions.
The ban on Dalilah Sappenfield is seen as a step towards creating a more positive and nurturing environment for athletes in figure skating and beyond. SafeSport’s actions send a clear message that misconduct and abusive behavior will not be tolerated in the sports community. The willingness of organizations like U.S. Figure Skating to adopt and enforce these sanctions demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of athletes. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing instances of abuse and misconduct in sports and taking steps to protect athletes from harm.
The allegations against Sappenfield highlight the harmful impact that abusive behavior can have on athletes, both physically and emotionally. The incidents involving Tarah Kayne’s self-harm and the mistreatment of a young Russian skater demonstrate the need for coaches and officials to act responsibly and provide a safe and supportive environment for their athletes. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and implementing strict consequences for misconduct, organizations like SafeSport and U.S. Figure Skating are working to create a culture of respect and safety in the world of sports. It is essential for all members of the sports community to prioritize the well-being of athletes and uphold standards of conduct that promote a positive and healthy environment.
