Gymnasts who spoke out during the Larry Nassar abuse scandal ft. Simone Biles

Previews - 2023 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships
Simone Biles testified against Larry Nassar along with other elite gymnasts - Getty Images

During the Larry Nassar abuse scandal, several gymnasts including Simone Biles and Aly Raisman stepped forward to expose the physician's misdeeds. These gymnasts became powerful voices to seek justice against Nassar.

Nassar is a former U.S. women's gymnastics team physician who provided his medical services to the team from 1996 to 2014. He was charged with sexually assaulting 265 gymnasts under the pretense of medical attention.

Simone Biles provided her testimony against Larry Nassar

After a former gymnast and lawyer, Rachael Denhollander initially accused Larry Nassar of abuse, Simone Biles testified during the hearing on September 15, 2021 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Simone Biles during a hearing in Washington, D.C. - Getty Images
Simone Biles during a hearing in Washington, D.C. - Getty Images

Biles joined the national team in 2012. During her testimony against Nassar, she also blamed the USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for not having a strong stance on justice.

Further, in an interview on the podcast "Call Her Daddy" this year, she reflected on standing strong while testifying. Biles stated that she had a huge following across her social media profiles and that she has always been transparent about her actions.

"A lot of people follow me. A lot of people go on my platforms, and I’ve always been an open and honest book from the very beginning," Biles said.

Further, Biles also mentioned that she wanted to be mentally and emotionally ready to speak about her traumatic experiences.

"I wanted to be in a good enough place and to have the proper help lined up before I spoke out, because that stuff was so traumatizing. And I truly don’t understand how I did what I did under those circumstances and how I put on a face.”

Aly Raisman suffered post traumatic disorder after Larry Nassar scandal

Aly Raisman testified against the former Team USA doctor along with her 2016 women's gymnastic team member Simone Biles. After initially opting out of testifying, Raisman recognized the importance and decided to attend the hearing. She went on to present her testimony for thirteen minutes.

Aly Raisman testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 15, 2021 in Washington, D.C. - Getty Images
Aly Raisman testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 15, 2021 in Washington, D.C. - Getty Images

In a candid conversation on the podcast "Call Her Daddy," Raisman reflected on the post-traumatic stress disorder she navigated through following the scandal. The former American gymnast suffered from symptoms similar to a stroke on multiple occasions.

"I have literally stroke-like symptoms. I can't remember my name. I'm like slurring my words. I can barely speak. Both times I was tested for a stroke because I literally couldn't move my body. It was so scary. And the first time, the doctors had absolutely no idea what it was.”

Nassar was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 2017 after numerous gymnasts spoke out about the abuse.

Quick Links

Edited by Aayush Kapoor
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications