Best of '20/20' in 2010: Sex Tapes, Political Scandals and Swim Coach Molestation
A look at "20/20's" most popular stories from the past year.
Dec. 31, 2010— -- "20/20" diligently investigated the year's biggest breaking news events, international stories, political scandals and more. Here's a look back at our most popular stories of 2010 on ABCNews.com.
ABC News Investigation: USA Swimming Coaches Molested, Secretly Taped Dozens of Teen Swimmers
In a sex abuse scandal that some victims compare to what happened in the Catholic Church, at least 36 swimming coaches have been banned for life by the USA Swimming organization over the last 10 years because of sexual misconduct. The coaches have molested, fondled and abused dozens of swimmers, according to court records and interviews conducted by ABC News.
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Abby Sunderland Feared Lost at Sea
This year 16-year-old Abby Sunderland took on a tremendous feat: she attempted to sail around the world alone. Her trip went along smoothly until June, when she hit a storm near Madagascar. According to her mother, MaryAnne Sunderland, Abby was in 20-25 foot waves with 35-knot winds when she lost contact. Abby was later rescued though her ship sustained some damage.
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John Edwards Made Sex Tape, Abortion Plea, Aide Says
2010 was a trying year for ex-presidential candidate John Edwards.In January, former aide Andrew Young revealed to 20/20 that he had a sex tape that he says was of John Edwards and Rielle Hunter. Young and his wife claimed that they found the tape inside a box that Hunter left behind in a rented home.
John and Elizabeth Edwards Legally Separated
Jaycee Dugard Exclusive: 'It's Been a Long Haul'
Jaycee Dugard was just 11 years old when she was kidnapped on her way to school. She was missing for 18 years until police discovered her and reunited her with her family. "20/20" exclusively obtained some of the first video of Dugard and her family just after their reunion, showing them baking cookies. Jaycee's mother Terry Probyn released a statement to "thank [the public] for the love and support that you've given us these past few months."
Joran van der Sloot's Ex-Girlfriend on Dutch Playboy's Other Side
However, not all the news about van der Sloot was negative in 2010. "20/20" spoke with his ex-girlfriend Melody Granadillo, who remembered van der Sloot as a kind and generous boyfriend who showered her with thoughtful gifts and love notes. Despite their breakup, the two stayed in touch. "20/20" also spoke with van der Sloot's mother, Anita, who echoed Melody's sentiments saying Joran "is not a murderer."
Click here to read more from ex-girlfriend Melody Granadillo.
Click here to read more from Joran's mother Anita.
16-Year-Old Starbucks Barista Sues Over 'Sex Demands' at Work
Model Burned in Vicious Sulfuric Acid Attack
Katie Piper, 24, was working in London as a model and television presenter. While working she met 33-year-old Danny Lynch, a martial arts expert, and they began a relationship. When things between them began to sour Lynch hired Stefan Sylvestre to throw sulphuric acid in her face. She sustained tremendous injuries mostly to her face and chest and now she is working to help other burn victims.
Jenny Sanford Exclusive: Husband Refused to Be Faithful in Wedding Vows
Former South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford discussed her painful and public breakup with then-Governor Mark Sanford in an exclusive interview with Barbara Walters. She looked back on her marriage, and recalled Mark's frugal and at times "cheap" nature. Many of these reflections served as inspiration for her memoir "Staying True."