INDIANAPOLIS — Steve Penny resigned as president of USA Gymnastics on Thursday following intensified pressure on the organization for its handling of sex abuse cases. The resignation came a week after the United States Olympic Committee’s board recommended to USA Gymnastics chairman Paul Parilla that Penny should step down. Penny offered his resignation during a previously scheduled board meeting on Thursday. “My decision to step aside as CEO is solely to support the best interests of USA Gymnastics at this time,” Penny said in a statement. USOC chairman Larry Probst said Penny’s decision “will hopefully allow USA Gymnastics to shift its attention to the future with a secure environment for its athletes and continued success in competition.” Penny joined USA Gymnastics in 1999 and