For an update on this developing story, click here.
Robert Griswold, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who broke the 100-meter backstroke S8 world record in Tokyo, has been issued a temporary suspension by the U.S. Center for SafeSport due to “allegations of misconduct.”
It’s the second time that Griswold has appeared in the SafeSport database after he was first added in September of 2020, also on allegations of misconduct. His temporary restrictions then were “no contact directive(s), contact / communication limitations, no unsupervised coaching / training.” The 25-year-old had his recent suspension handed out last month on August 23.
Multiple attempts at reaching Griswold for comment were unsuccessful.
Temporary suspensions are used by the U.S. Center for SafeSport while investigating reported allegations. They are published to the Center’s public database when “allegations are so severe that Temporary Restrictions are necessary to mitigate potential risk to others in the sport community,” or in “cases where the sanctions imposed include some period of suspension or ineligibility, after a comprehensive investigation has established a violation of the SafeSport Code.”
For a more detailed breakdown of SafeSport’s investigative process, click here.
Griswold is no longer listed as a member of the 2022 National Team on the U.S. Paralympic Swimming website.
Griswold, a two-time Paralympian from Freehold, New Jersey, has had a busy summer both in and out of the pool. He swam seven events at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, bringing home six medals.
He also campaigned for one of five spots on the Athletes Advisory Group for Para Swimming and became the only American elected to the panel. His term runs from this year to 2025.
Nine days before he left for the World Championships, Griswold got engaged to his girlfriend, whom he married two weeks ago.
Last summer in Tokyo, he secured gold in the 100 butterfly to go along with his record-breaking 100 back victory. Griswold’s third career Paralympic medal came back in 2016 when he earned bronze in the 100 back in Rio.
Evil monster! He never better be in the water again.
As of today, 10-5-22, has anything happened with this case? Have charges been filed? If this terrifying case does not shake the swimming world, I’m not sure what will. As a swim mom, this is a worst nightmare.
Prayers to the most recent victim. God bless.
Amy, there are many moving parts to this case. Police are involved. The FBI is involved too. This predator will never be allowed to touch another innocent soul. He’s exposed and people are talking. Media, lawyers, investigators, Safesport investigators…….. this is NOT going away.
Update us when you can
I’m not aware of this case but could someone please explain to me, if he had been added to this list in 2020, how was he elected to the Athlete Advisory Group for Para Swimming?
Yes, this doesn’t make sense. How was he able to go to Tokyo in 2021 too
Excellent question. You would have to ask those in charge. Although I would imagine they are preoccupied at the moment with their attorneys trying to save their careers and clearing their schedules for depositions when criminal charges are filed against perpetrator.
When is this trial occurring?
I am sickened that THIS could have and should have been prevented. You mean to tell me there were previous allegations and this athlete was allowed to remain in this atmosphere with our most vulnerable? Failed system here ….all for a gold medal, at another innocent athletes expense, a teammate? I assure you this victims family will seek and receive justice. Poor job US Paralympic Swimming Team absolutely no gold medal in the world is worth the negligence and coverup you took part in!
The IPC did not do a full on background check I suppose, or they did and didn’t find anything in a quick search. I believe you could just apply for the election, send in some basic info and then you were all done. As for the reason he was elected: nobody outside of Team USA knew about it I think. I didn’t vote for him because of other reasons, but I for sure didn’t know about that suspension. It’s the same now, probably only people who’ve read this SwimSwam story will know about it, as it’s not been published anywhere else. I do know that the IPC is trying to see what they can do about it, as complaints have… Read more »
This should change the policy then. If nobody else knows how can people stay aware?
Oh they are going to know now. Covered up once shame on him. Attempting to cover up TWICE….Shame on the committee and everyone involved. “Make Paralympic Games safe again!”
Can you say why it’s being covered up again or they are attempting to. Other comments says there are lawyers investigating staff and a SafeSport investigation-that sounds like it’s being investigated, not covered up.
It was hidden from the National Team…… that’s a cover up! Had this information been shared, many and I mean many individuals would have steered clear of this monster.
What day will Erin and Nathan resign?
They’ll be fired. No need to resign.
Positive thoughts and prayers out today to victims and their families.
Peace to you. Mind,spirits and bodies need time and prayers.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Do not let this story sleep.
USOPC hires a law firm to conduct an “Independent investigation”…hmmm…so if they find any malfeasance will USOPC still pay the “independent law firm”?
What does this mean
Go check out the USA soccer coverup that is currently going on. They hired a law firm to investigate too because of all of the coverups. Seems no one is safe in anything related to Team USA.
Let me get this straight…… Robert was kicked out of the training center for sexual misconduct charges back in 2020. Then Team USA allowed him to come back unsupervised? He had full access to all athletes and no one was watching or checking on him? Seems the USOPC is in BIG and I mean BIG trouble! #webelievethemall
He was kicked out before? This is insane, why did they let him go back?
Money, greed and a pathological liar……… They’re all in this together. Clean house!
TRUTH
Now the OPTC in Colorado hires a new swim coach. Just another cover up.
Not only that, numerous swimmers brought it to people’s attention that they did not feel safe around him and yet they did absolutely nothing. Protect our athletes! They deserve better.
Erin and Nathan do not listen to any of the National Team
All they do is say things to protect their job.
Then Team USA has an emergency meeting asking people to try harder and come forward? What???? They DID!!!!!!! No one listened! But now they’re supposed to try harder….. Wonder if Team USA is listening?
Molly, you hit the nail on the head.
Those in charge have nothing to say but…”Nothing to see here, let’s just move forward.”