Bridie Farrell initiated legal action against the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee along with U.S. Speedskating in 2020. She alleged that they did not protect her from sexual abuse by former Olympic speedskater Andy Gabel.
As of July 24, 2026, a federal judge has decided that Farrell’s claims of negligence are valid enough to move forward to a trial. This decision came nearly six years after she filed the lawsuit. The ruling dismisses attempts by the organizations to have the case thrown out.