USA Gymnastics is in some piping hot water for the way it allowed Larry Nassar to sexual assault young gymnasts for as long as he did. Many prominent gymnasts including Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas have come forth, joining the #MeToo movement to shed a light on the terrible things the former team doctor did dating back to the 1990s.
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The latest to join the hundreds of girls accusing Nassar: UF gymnast Alyssa Baumann. She shared in a tweet, "I feel like I have reached a point where I can share my truth. Even though it makes me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable, I believe sharing my story will help me heal, and more importantly, help others who are still dealing with this trauma. I, too, was sexually abused by Larry Nassar. He betrayed my trust and took advantage of me for years."
#MeToo pic.twitter.com/HNY3YfmZ4B
— Alyssa Baumann (@Alyssa_Baumann_) November 15, 2018
Baumann, a member of the U.S. National Team from 2013-16, revealed to the IndyStar that she filed a lawsuit in August against USA Gymnastics for allowing Nassar to sexually assault her more than 40 times. Baumann specifically said during the 2014 World Championships in China, she and other gymnasts were forced to receive treatment from Nassar every single day in a hotel room.
She also questioned the pills Nassar gave her before her treatments as well: "But I don't know exactly that they were muscle relaxers," Baumann told the IndyStar, "because he would hand me pills and tell me to take them."
To make matters worse, Baumann alleges that USA Gymnastics took about 30 months to follow up with her after a coach overheard her and teammates discussing Nassar's misconduct.
Baumann, currently a sophomore, joins former Gator Kennedy Baker as gymnasts who've spoken up this past week about Nassar's abuse. Both have filed lawsuits against USA gymnastics.
Baker, a U.S. National Team member from 2012-14, told the Dallas Morning News that Nassar's abuse may have led to her failing to make the Olympic team in 2012. He treated her (she now refers to it as molestation) 30 minutes before trials, and she fell off the balance beam because she was nervous.
In my final chapter of my gymnastics career, I am coming forward to share my story of abuse. Inspired by the strong women who have come before me, I stand ready to help enact a culture change at @USAGym & @TeamUSA. We will not be silenced.
— Kennedy Baker (@KennBaker15) November 15, 2018
And to anyone who's ever had experience with sexual assault or abuse I just wanna let you know that I love you and it will be ok. Love each and every person❤️ pic.twitter.com/nyrxF7XqfD
— Kennedy Baker (@KennBaker15) November 15, 2018
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The details to both of their accounts, as well as other victims, are disturbing to say the least. Nassar, who is currently serving a 60-year sentence for child pornography and has also received sentences for his sexual abuse.
Baumann and Baker have received an outpouring of support since sharing their stories. UF head coach Jenny Rowland is just one of the many people to show it:
So proud of your bravery and powerful voice. It is being heard loud and clear! I pray this will be the start of your healing process that will only continue to strengthen such a strong and beautiful soul. 🙏🏻❤️ So much love and respect for the young woman you are! 💖💙
— Coach Jenny Rowland (@JennyRowlandUF) November 16, 2018
Powerful and Perfectly stated! ❤️ Very proud of you for taking this step and doing what’s best for you! May this initiate a healing process that will only continue to strengthen your heart and soul! 🙏🏻😘 Much love and respect!
— Coach Jenny Rowland (@JennyRowlandUF) November 15, 2018
USA Gymnastics deserves the storm coming its way for allowing this to happen for so long.
