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TOPLINE
Gymnastics Australia has launched an independent investigation into at least 20 former gymnasts’ complaints about physical and mental abuse, making it the latest gymnastics federation to look into allegations since former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s 2018 conviction for sexually abusing hundreds of young athletes.
When Maggie Nichols reported abuse by Larry Nassar she was listed as an unidentified plaintiff and … [+]
Corbis via Getty Images
KEY FACTS
The June release of Netflix documentary Athlete A, which is based on the newspaper investigation into the abuse of American athletes that led to Nassar’s conviction, has been the catalyst for new concerns about the abuse of female gymnasts.
Former Gymnastics Australia athletes shared their experiences on social media, portraying a “toxic” culture of body shaming, verbal abuse and being pressured to train or compete while injured.
Gymnastics Australia said Thursday that The Australian Human Rights Commission will investigate the allegations, interviewing athletes and reviewing policies in order to prepare a report by 2021, but it will also implement some initiatives in the meantime.
The news comes a day after the Dutch gymnastics federation suspended its women’s elite training program and its coaches, effective immediately, while it investigates physical and mental abuse allegations raised by former athletes who spoke out after watching Athlete A; some current team members defended the program saying there is a “healthy top sport climate.”
The British Gymnastics organization announced in early July that it launched an independent review after nearly a dozen gymnasts shared allegations of emotional abuse and bullying, and former four-time Olympic medallist Louis Smith accused the organization of not coming forward publicly with complaints against coaches because it would tarnish their image.
In March, U.S. Olympians Simone Biles and Aly Raisman criticized a proposed $215-million settlement for people abused by Nassar that, if agreed upon, would keep them from filing future claims against the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, former USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny and former national team coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi.
Crucial quote
“Since the release of ‘Athlete A’ on Netflix I’ve experienced some relatable memories resurface after burying them deep deep down and bolting them under emotional floorboards,” Australian Olympic gymnast Olivia Vivian wrote on Instagram before sharing her experience.
key background
Nassar pled guilty to 10 counts of sexual assault against girls and young women in 2018 and was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. Michigan circuit court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina listened as 156 women detailed decades of sexual abuse and trauma, some speaking directly to Nassar who was in the room throughout the seven days. Aquilina told Nassar during the sentencing, “As much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it was my honor and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.”
big number
517. That is how many gymnasts sued USA Gymnastics after being molested by Nassar.
further reading
Gymnastics Australia asks human rights group to probe abuse (AP News)
Simone Biles and Aly Raisman react angrily to settlement in Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal (LA Times)
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