‘How about you amaze me and do the right thing…’
Gymnast Simone Biles turned 23 this weekend, and while she welcomed most of the sweet birthday tributes, there was one that she refused to accept.
‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time, @simonebiles! We know you will only continue to amaze us and make history,’ organisation USA Gymnastics posted alongside a video of a routine by Biles.
Simone publicly responded, referencing the Larry Nassar case - ‘How about you amaze me and do the right thing... have an independent investigation’.
Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor is currently serving a life sentence for sexually abusing hundreds of the organisation’s gymnasts, including Simone Biles. According to reports however, the survivors were only offered a settlement by the organisation. Simone Biles has since been calling for accountability from the organisation.
‘I too am one of the survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar,’ Simone announced in a statement in January 2018. ‘Please believe me when I say it was a lot harder to speak those words out loud than it is now to put them on paper. There are many reasons that I have been reluctant to share my story, but I know now that it is not my fault.’
She continued: ‘It is not normal to receive any type of treatment from a trusted team physician and refer to it horrifyingly as the “special” treatment. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, disgusting, and abusive, especially coming from someone whom I was TOLD to trust.
‘For too long I’ve asked myself, “Was I too naive? Was it my fault?” I now know the answer to those questions. No. No, it was not my fault. No, I will not and should not carry the guilt that belongs to Larry Nassar, USAG, and others.’
The USA Gymnastics Organisation has not yet responded.
-
William promises to 'look after' Kate during her cancer treatmentHe returned to work today and reassured royal fans
-
Quick – the whole fashion team is adding these £36 crystal ballet flats to basketShining, shimmering, splendid
-
Olivia Munn opens up about her medically-induced menopause following breast cancer diagnosis"I figured, as a woman, I can't escape menopause. So I'd rather just take it on now."
-
As a seasoned runner, I can’t even begin to tell you everything that’s wrong with the Nike US Olympic kitOnce again, women are being set up for failure in sport. Here’s where it all went wrong
-
I'm an ultramarathoner - here's why Jasmin Paris becoming the first female to ever finish the Barkley Marathon needs to be on your radarHistory-making and record-breaking.
-
Yes, 40% of Formula 1 fans are female—here's how the famously exclusive sport is finally embracing the F1 fangirlAs a world-first F1 sponsorship is announced, we meet the women changing the sport and inspiring a nation of fangirls.
-
Rachel Daly: "If you've got a dream and you work at it every single day, good things will happen." -
As Mary Earps becomes the first ever goalkeeper to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 6 surprising fun facts you didn't know about herThe former MC UK Guest Editor is a jack of all trades.
-
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of BBC Sports Personality of the Year: Dame Mary Peters and Paula Radcliffe share their top tips for improving your fitnessHealth contributor Abbi Henderson chats with the two former athletes.
-
15 things you didn't know about Millie Bright and Mary Earps, England Captain and Vice-CaptainMeet our Guest Editors and the athletes hoping to lead the England football squad to victory this Sunday.
-
This is what you should be eating before working out for energy and gains, according to a top nutritionistPlus, how the England squad are fuelling their success this World Cup.
