CHICAGO, March 2 (UPI) — Olympic speedskater Andy Gabel issued an apology Friday for alleged misconduct with a teenage teammate in the late 1990s.
Gabel told the Chicago Tribune he exercised “poor judgment” in an incident that did not involve sexual relations but was inappropriate none the less.
“I know what happened was wrong, and I make no excuses for my behavior,” said Gabel, who was in his 30s at the time. “I apologize to her, and I am sorry for bringing negative attention to the sport that I love.”
The woman, Bridie Farrell, publicly disclosed her encounter with the three-time Olympian while both skated for the U.S. national team. Farrell confirmed there had been no sex involved but said she spoke out to change the culture in the sport.
The Tribune said no criminal charges were forthcoming but U.S. Speedskating was looking into the incident.
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