A Seattle-based Olympian who is speaking publicly for the first time since accusing her swim coach of sexual abuse says he took responsibility for her success that saw her swim her way to the top.
In an emotional interview, only with CBS this morning Monday, Ariana Kukors spoke about her struggle to face what she says happened to her.
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Kukors, the 2009 world champion in the 200-meter individual medley who placed fifth in that event in the 2012 Olympics, says she came forward as part of her own healing process.
Related: Champion swimmer accuses coach of underage sex abuse
“I didn't realize until a few weeks ago how important being open and speaking my truth was important to my healing process. And it really has been a journey in so many ways. I began therapy in October because I had reached a low point and I realized while I have an amazing husband and an amazing life and an amazing support system, I hadn’t fully faced what had happened to me,” said Kukors.
She says her story has been helping others.
“The outpouring of messages I've received the last few days have been so impactful and I never thought that I would be here sitting at this table,” she said.
Lawyer for Ariana Kukors says there are ‘over a hundred Larry Nassars in swimming'
Kukors says Sean Hutchison, of local swim club King Aquatics, started grooming her when she was 13.
“He started coaching me when I was 13 years old. I would say the grooming began immediately. And there are so many definitions of what grooming is. How I understand it is the process that a predator takes to first psychologically take control over you and then perhaps it turns into a physical relationship.”
Kukors said Hutchison abused her for almost a decade while on swim trips and competitions.
“One of the biggest things that these predators do is they isolate you, they single you out. The things he told me constantly were 'You're the most impressive person I've ever met. I see things in your that your sisters don't see in you. That your parents don't see in you.' And because of that isolation, they put you on a pedestal and they put you there so that nobody can help you.”
She alleges Hutchison took thousands of naked photos of her and says he began to take responsibility for her successes to keep her with him.
She told officers that he kissed and touched her when she was 16 and engaged in sexual activity with her when she was 17 at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Victoria, British Columbia, according to a search warrant document filed by a federal agent.
“As he guided me through this relationship of manipulation and control, he fully had control of me and prepared me for each step,” said Kukors.
Hutchison has denied the allegations, saying their relationship didn't turn sexual until after she turned 18.
USA Swimming says they investigated the allegations in 2010 but says both Kukors and Hutchison denied it was happening.
Federal agents served a search warrant on his condo last week. Hutchison has not been charged with a crime.
Kukors says she's continuing with therapy and has a message for anyone who is being abused.
“If you are being abused, if someone is taking advantage of you, I want you to know that no matter how you choose to find your voice, you will be heard. And there are so many amazing things that are happening in this world today that are open and receptive to these conversations. I want these people to know that they are amazing, that they don't have to rely on these predators, these people who take advantage of these young people and abuse these relationships so horrifically.”
“You don't have to rely on a man, on another human being, who wants to take responsibility for your success, who wants to be there every step of the way.”
Cox Media Group
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