A shocking lawsuit has been filed in California, alleging a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment by a swim coach towards a young athlete. The complaint was lodged by G.N., a former competitive swimmer, against Anthony Daly and several swimming organizations on December 31, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The allegations have sent ripples through the sporting community as they expose not only individual misconduct but also systemic failures within the organizations involved.
G.N., represented by attorneys Yosef Peretz and David Garibaldi from Peretz & Associates, accuses Anthony Daly, her former swim coach at Milpitas Aquatic Club, of using his position to sexually harass her over several years. According to the complaint, Daly's inappropriate behavior began when G.N. was just 13 years old and continued until she turned 18. The harassment allegedly included sending explicit messages and images via social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. "All of the sexually harassing conduct alleged herein was done for DALY’s sexual gratification," states the complaint.
The lawsuit further implicates Milpitas Aquatic Club, Pacific Swimming, USA Swimming, and unnamed defendants (Does 1-20) for negligence in supervision and retention of Daly despite being aware of his misconduct. G.N.'s legal team argues that these organizations failed to protect their athletes from harm by allowing Daly to remain in positions where he could continue his predatory behavior. "Instead of appropriately investigating or addressing DALY’s misconduct," the complaint asserts, "the Corp Defendants protected DALY."
As a result of this prolonged abuse, G.N. claims to have suffered severe emotional distress leading to PTSD and depression. She reportedly attempted suicide due to the psychological trauma inflicted by Daly's actions. Consequently, G.N. is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress and punitive damages against all defendants for their roles in enabling Daly's behavior.
The case highlights significant lapses in safeguarding protocols within these swimming organizations. It raises questions about their commitment to athlete safety given their alleged failure to act on known risks associated with Daly's conduct. This lawsuit not only seeks justice for G.N.'s personal suffering but also aims to prompt systemic changes within sports governance bodies to prevent future occurrences.
Representing G.N., attorneys Yosef Peretz and David Garibaldi are pressing for a jury trial under Case No. CGC-24-621101 before Judge Sahar Enayati at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco.