Gymnasts, sports fans and many other people from around the world were watching this past week to see the sentence awaiting Larry Nassar. Nassar was the USA Gymnastics (USAG) and Michigan State University (MSU) doctor until sexual abuse accusations from over 150 gymnasts emerged. However, as the result of a plea deal, Nassar only pled guilty to seven of the 150 plus accusations against him. Then on Wednesday, January 24th Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison.
As part of the previously mentioned plea deal, the disgraced man had to listen to seven days’ worth of victim statements. 156 victims spoke detailing how the “trustworthy doctor” manipulated them, then abused them when they went to receive “treatment” for sports injuries. One of the most powerful testimonies from these seven days was from three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman. She was originally not going to be attending the sentencing but in the end attended saying “I have both power and voice and am only beginning to use them.” The two-time Olympian then said that she wouldn’t stop fighting until it is discovered how Nassar’s abusive actions went on for more than two decades. Other well-known members of the gymnastics community spoke throughout that week including Olympic gold medalist, Jordyn Wieber. Wieber said, “I thought that training for the Olympics would be hardest thing I would ever have to do. But the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do is process that I am a victim of Larry Nassar.” All the survivors, especially the women who spoke at the sentencing showed immense strength throughout that week and sent waves of hope throughout not only the gymnastics community but to other victims of sexual assault around the United States and the rest of the world.
However, it is not over yet. While the memories from the horrid “treatments” will sadly never fade from these gymnast’s minds there is still much work that can be done to bring any other potentially responsible parties to justice. All throughout Nassar’s trial and sentencing many eyes were also looking at USAG and MSU. How is it possible the abuse went on for decades and not one person knew or reported it? Timber Creek junior Maria Veras says that these horrible events tell much about our society, saying “the fact that these big organizations valued money and fame over the safety and well being of the gymnasts shows just how corrupt they really are. If they were the great organizations they claim to be they would have grown and changed their ways and this likely wouldn’t have happened.” Many of the gymnasts and the judge of the case, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina have stated that they feel there is a need for a full investigation of the National training center for USAG, the famous Karolyi Ranch. Bela and Marta Karolyi, legends in the gymnastics world, rose to prominence for their coaching of the mega successful Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton. They were the coaches and overseers of the United States national team. The Karolyi’s also owned the training facility of the same name. While it is currently unclear if they had any knowledge of the assaults occurring, many are pointing fingers at them for turning a blind eye to the disgraceful actions occurring at their camp. There have been law suits filed against the couple but it is still unclear if or when there will be a follow up investigation. USAG did declare the gym would no longer be a mandatory training facility for the elite athletes. However they still had athletes training there this past week.
The future of USAG is very unclear, many believing the organization needs a completely new group of people to lead it. With that being said, the main goals of authorities and anyone involved with USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University need to be redirected. Their main priority needs to be preventing any further manipulation and abuse similar to that of the horrible actions committed by Larry Nassar.
