New USA Gymnastics president wants athletes to speak out more

Li Li Leung wants Simone Biles to speak up whenever, however and wherever the Olympic gymnastics champion sees fit.

It's a freedom that Leung, USA Gymnastics president and chief executive officer, stressed isn't reserved for the sport's biggest star. If the embattled organization truly is going to make a cultural shift in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal, Leung believes giving agency to all involved — from athletes to coaches to parents to club owners — isn't just encouraged but required.

"Historically, our organization has silenced our gymnasts and I am 100 percent supportive of giving our athletes a voice," Leung said Thursday in her first extended public remarks since taking over in March. "Our athletes should be able to say what they feel and be comfortable doing so. I understand that we have let down many athletes, we have let down Simone, and she needs time to heal from that. If voicing her concerns and her feelings is one way to do that, I am completely supportive of that."

Biles took USA Gymnastics, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the FBI to task on Wednesday, angry over the findings in a congressional report that revealed a series of mistakes that allowed Nassar — a former team doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University — to abuse athletes even after victims began to come forward.

Leung said she understands Biles' anger and her importance as a leading advocate for change. Leung said the two hugged and chatted briefly about setting up a time to talk in depth after the national championships wrap up.

The Argentina women's basketball team forfeited its match against Colombia at the Pan American Games on Wednesday in Lima, Peru, for wearing the wrong uniform color and can no longer advance to the medal rounds.

The Argentines were supposed to wear white but came onto the court in blue, the same as Colombia. They had 15 minutes to fix the mistake but couldn't get the right jerseys in time, so Colombia was awarded a 20-0 victory.

"It's one of the saddest moments of my career," Araya said. "I take full responsibility for what happened."

Soccer: Inter Milan completed the signing of Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United. No financial details were given, but Italian media reported that Inter paid United around $73 million plus $15 million in bonuses for the 26-year-old Belgian. … Los Angeles FC acquired 19-year-old Uruguayan forward Brian Rodriguez, considered one of the top young talents in South America. LAFC sold former Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez to Houston to create the space to acquire him. … Tottenham made the biggest moves on the Premier League's transfer deadline day, signing winger Ryan Sessegnon and midfielder Giovani lo Celso. … Manchester City's Leroy Sane is facing a lengthy layoff with damaging a knee ligament that will require surgery.

Golf: Jane Park, Anne van Dam and Mi Hyang Lee took advantage of calm conditions in the opening round of the Ladies Scottish Open, shooting 8-under 63s to share the lead at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick.

Tennis: Third-ranked Karolina Pliskova, in position to reclaim the top spot in the world ranking this week, advanced to the Rogers Cup quarterfinals in Toronto, beating Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 7-5. … Second-seeded Dominic Thiem advanced to the Rogers Cup quarters with a 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory over Marin Cilic in Montreal.

Auto racing: Formula One extended the Mexican Grand Prix through 2022, keeping a race that draws some of the season's biggest crowds on the calendar.