The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Simone Biles backed by USA Gymnastics president after speaking about sexual abuse
‘Our athletes should be able to say what they feel and be comfortable doing so,’ says USAG President Li Li Leung
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The president of USA Gymnastics has spoken publicly in support of Simone Biles after the five-time Olympic medallist accused the organisation of “failing” gymnasts in light of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case.
On Wednesday, Biles was interviewed by reporters during a training session in Kansas City for the 2019 US National Gymnastics Championships.
The gymnast tearfully spoke about the mistrust she felt towards USA Gymnastics, having previously said she was sexually abused by former Team USA gymnastics doctor Nassar.
''You had one job. You literally had one job and you couldn’t protect us and it is just really sad because now every time I go to the doctor or training, I get worked on,” Biles said.
“I don’t want to get worked on, but my body hurts, I’m 22 and at the end of the day that’s my fifth rotation and I have to go to therapy.''
Li Li Leung, who became president and CEO of USA Gymnastics in February, has backed Biles’ statement, saying that she understands that many gymnasts, including the 22-year-old, were “let down” by the organisation.
“Historically, our organisation has silenced our gymnasts and I am 100% supportive of giving our athletes a voice,” Leung said on Thursday during a meeting at the national championships.
“Our athletes should be able to say what they feel and be comfortable doing so. I understand that we have let down many athletes, we have let down Simone, and she needs time to heal from that.”
Leung added that she is “completely supportive” of Biles “voicing her concerns and her feelings”.
In January 2018, Biles shared a statement on Twitter explaining that she was “one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar”.
The gymnast stated that while most people regard her as a “happy, giggly, and energetic girl”, she had recently been feeling “a bit broken”.
In February 2018, Nassar was sentenced to up to 125 years in prison after 200 women testified that they had been sexually abused by the disgraced doctor.
The scandal prompted the entire board of directors at USA Gymnastics to resign, in addition to the president and athletic director of Michigan State University, where Nassar previously worked.
In July 2018, gymnast Aly Raisman and a group of more than 100 women who said they were sexually assaulted by Nassar appeared on stage together at the ESPY Awards.
The 141 women received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, which is presented to those who have shown “strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs”, ESPN states.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments