Though Mary Lou Retton was one of gymnastics’ brightest stars, her legacy was tarnished by her stance during the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the sport. Beginning in 2014, women treated by Team USA doctor Larry Nassar began coming forward with allegations that he’d touched them inappropriately during physical examinations.
In the years that followed, hundreds of victims provided statements against Nassar, who eventually lost his job at Michigan State University as well as his medical license, and is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence. However, his accusers — including superstars Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney — weren’t satisfied that what they saw as a systemic problem had been solved. They suspected that the powers that be within the sport knew about the abuse and could’ve stopped it sooner.
They were right. As it turned out, there were 54 complaints on file with USA Gymnastics. With the victims’ support, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California introduced the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Acts to Congress in 2017, which was intended to make it a federal crime not to report suspected abuse within athletic organizations. The gymnastics federation offered sympathy to the victims, but didn’t officially apologize and fought Feinstein’s proposed measures. Retton sided with USA Gymnastics and described the environment within the sport as “happy” and “safe.” The bill passed, regardless of Retton’s testimony and opposition.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
