Federal Judge Allows Bridie Farrell’s Case to Proceed

Bridie Farrell sued the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and U.S. Speedskating in 2020. She alleged these organizations did not protect her from sexual abuse by former Olympic speedskater Andy Gabel.

On July 24, 2026, a federal judge allowed her negligence claims to move forward. This ruling came nearly six years after Farrell initiated the lawsuit. The decision rejected the attempts by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and U.S. Speedskating to have the case dismissed.

Farrell, a former Team USA speedskater, first made her accusations public against Gabel, a once-prominent figure in the sport. Her lawsuit brings attention to how these organizations handle allegations of abuse.