The U.S. Center has suspended Al Fong and Armine Barutyan, the owners and operators of Great American Gymnastics, for alleged physical and emotional misconduct in violation of SafeSport rules. Since the 1990s, Fong and Barutyan have co-coached at GAGE, guiding athletes such as Terin Humphrey and Courtney McCool to the Olympics.
Fong has received a five-year suspension, effective from December 22, 2025, to December 22, 2030. Barutyan has been suspended for one year, from December 22, 2025, to December 22, 2026.
Everything To Know About Al Fong and Armine Barutyan’s Suspensions
Fong, aged 72, graduated from Louisiana State University in 1975 and began his coaching journey that year. He founded GAGE in 1979, with his wife, Barutyan, joining him later on. Together, the two worked to build up the institution as one of the best coaching centers in the United States, helping a total of four Olympians, four alternates, and seven World Championship athletes.
According to Gymnastics Now, the suspensions follow a 2023 report indicating that SafeSport was investigating allegations of physical, emotional, and verbal misconduct related to Fong’s coaching. Former gymnasts and parents also alleged that the training environment was harmful, citing verbal and physical mistreatment by both coaches.
Both coaches are currently suspended from coaching, training, judging, or holding any role involving contact with athletes in SafeSport-covered programs. This restriction also applies to all USA Gymnastics-sanctioned activities. The suspensions are not yet final, as Fong and Barutyan may appeal the decision.
Longstanding Scrutiny of Fong’s Coaching Methods
Although Fong has coached many gymnasts to the Olympic level, his methods have faced longstanding criticism within the gymnastics community. He coached 15-year-old Julissa Gomez, who was paralyzed after a Yurchenko-style vault during warmups at a 1988 event in Tokyo. According to the Orange County Register, multiple reports stated that Fong pressured Gomez to attempt the skill.
Another case involving Fong’s coaching methods concerns GAGE trainee Christy Henrich, who struggled with chronic injuries and anorexia amid intense weight scrutiny. Fong allegedly called her the “Pillsbury Doughboy” due to perceived weight gain, which reportedly contributed to her disorder. Henrich died in July 1994 from multiple organ failure related to starvation, and her family has attributed responsibility to Fong.
Fong has historically denied all claims of abuse or wrongdoing and has largely stayed out of the public spotlight until recently. He has not commented on his suspension, and his future in coaching is uncertain.
