**Title: Olympic Medalist Aja Evans Files Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment by Team USA Doctor**
**Introduction**
Olympic medalist bobsledder Aja Evans has filed a lawsuit against a doctor on Team USA’s medical staff, alleging years of sexual harassment and abuse during treatment sessions. Dr. Jonathan Wilhelm, a chiropractor operating multiple clinics in Montana, is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, along with USA Bobsled/Skeleton, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Wilhelm’s Pro Chiropractic clinic in Belgrade, Mont. This article will delve into the details of the allegations, the response from the accused, and the broader implications for athlete safety.
**Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Abuse**
According to the lawsuit filed in New York state court, Aja Evans claims that Dr. Wilhelm “touched and groped” her genitals and body during treatment sessions, violating medical standards. The complaint also alleges that Wilhelm recorded videos and took photographs of Evans and others without their consent and in various states of undress. These incidents reportedly occurred at the USOPC training facility in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Evans began receiving treatment from Wilhelm around 2012 when he started working as a provider for Team USA. The lawsuit states that Wilhelm would always find reasons to work on or around Evans’ adductor muscles, despite no specific complaints in that area. The complaint further alleges that Wilhelm would grope, fondle, and touch Evans’ inner groin area, pubis, pelvic bone, and buttocks without obtaining consent or providing an explanation for his actions.
**Response from Dr. Jonathan Wilhelm**
Dr. Wilhelm, through his attorney Ryan Stevens, has denied the allegations made against him. Stevens stated that Wilhelm has not had the opportunity to defend himself in court or through the litigation process but looks forward to doing so. Wilhelm’s attorney emphasized that his client has served and protected professional athletes worldwide and intends to protect his professional reputation by addressing these baseless claims.
**Failure to Address Previous Complaints**
The lawsuit also highlights a letter sent by Evans and her teammates to USA Bobsled at the end of the 2016-17 season, documenting Wilhelm’s unauthorized photography. However, neither USOPC nor USA Bobsled investigated the complaints, leaving Evans confused and afraid to speak out. The lawsuit claims that Evans and her teammates even hired a separate team chiropractor at their own expense to avoid unwanted touching by Wilhelm.
**Investigation by U.S. Center for SafeSport**
Attorney Ryan Stevens confirmed that he is representing Dr. Wilhelm in an investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This investigation was initiated after another athlete raised concerns about Wilhelm’s behavior. Aja Evans has been interviewed multiple times as part of this investigation, indicating that it is ongoing.
**Broader Implications for Athlete Safety**
The lawsuit draws attention to the “shameful history” of the USOPC in turning a blind eye to athlete safety, referencing the case of former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State team doctor Larry Nassar, who sexually abused over 300 female gymnasts. It also highlights the disparate treatment and minimization of discomfort that Evans, a Black athlete, experienced, stating that this is sadly not uncommon for women of color in Olympic sports and beyond.
**Conclusion**
Aja Evans’ lawsuit against Dr. Jonathan Wilhelm and other entities involved in Team USA’s medical staff sheds light on the serious issue of sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry. The allegations made by Evans are disturbing and require a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. This case also underscores the need for improved athlete safety protocols and the importance of taking all complaints seriously to protect athletes from such misconduct in the future.