It was announced in November that USOC had begun the steps to decertify the gymnastics body due to the Larry Nassar sexual abuse crisis.

This would mean it would no longer be recognised as the national governing body for the sport.

In an open letter to athletes at the time, USOC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said "the challenges facing the organisation are simply more than it is capable of overcoming in its current form".

However, the process has been halted as it should help with litigation payments due to survivors.

Under section eight, a review panel has been set-up and the next stage would be a hearing.

This would lead to the issuing of a report and a recommendation would be made.

The USOC Board would then vote to continue to recognise USA Gymnastics, or revoke that status.

"USA Gymnastics asked to stay the section eight hearing," Hirschland said.

"We have not responded to that. 

"We believe that USA Gymnastics' intention in filing bankruptcy was an attempt to resolve litigation they are facing in an expedited and organised way.

"We believe that is a really important step for USA Gymnastics and don't think disrupting that in any way by pursuing the section eight hearing at this point is helpful to that process.

"We reserve the right to go back to the hearing panel and request the process move forward.

"But we have not yet done that at this point."

Dozens of women, including Olympic athletes, accused Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor, of abuse.

He carried out his attacks under the guise of medical treatment and is currently serving a jail term of up to 175 years.

An independent report published by law firm Ropes & Gray claimed both USOC and USA Gymnastics had facilitated Nassar's abuse and had failed to act when the allegations against him emerged.

USOC Board chair Susanne Lyons said the culture of elite sport in the US needed to start "at the top" as work to reform the organisation continues.

"We as the Board have to set the stage for that in our actions and in our words and send some strong messages, balancing athlete wellness with the pursuit of competitive excellence," said Lyons.

"More engagement with athletes and staff, ensuring we're not in an ivory tower and we're getting direct feedback.

"Part of our mission is we bring a stronger and directer athlete voice into the Board." 

 Li Li Leung was confirmed as USA Gymnastics' President and chief executive last month.

She becomes the fourth person to take on the role in the last two years.