In a time when we all need a hero, Simone Biles emerged as a powerful voice this past weekend. On March 14, the Olympic champion celebrated her 23rd birthday, receiving an outpouring of love from fans and celebrities alike. Biles shared her excitement about entering her “Jordan year” through a vibrant post. However, that enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration when USA Gymnastics (USAG) tweeted their birthday wishes to the wrong account, mistakenly tagging @simoneiles instead of her actual handle, @Simone_Biles.
USA Gymnastics tweeted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time, @simoneiles! We know you will only continue to amaze us and make history!” Biles didn’t miss the opportunity to hold the organization accountable, responding with a tweet that emphasized her demand for action regarding the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal: “How about you amaze me and do the right thing,” she retorted. “Have an independent investigation.”
Earlier this year, USAG announced a proposed $215 million settlement for the survivors of Nassar’s abuse, with Li Li Leung, the president and CEO of USAG, describing it as a positive step forward. However, Biles clearly believes this is insufficient. Nassar, a former doctor, has been accused of abusing around 499 victims, with over 500 individuals involved in the lawsuit against USAG. The implication is clear: a system that failed to protect these young athletes must be held accountable.
Biles has additional reasons to feel let down by USAG, particularly since the organization reportedly withheld information about Nassar’s abuse from her until after the 2016 Olympics, despite her being one of the first athletes flagged in 2015. Leung expressed shock and sorrow upon learning that Biles was among those initially notified about Nassar’s actions, referring to her as the “heart and soul of women’s gymnastics.”
But Biles is not one to back down. She is resolute in her demand for a thorough investigation. “Can’t tell you how hard this is to read and process. The pain is real and doesn’t just go away… especially when new facts are still coming out,” she tweeted, while sharing details about the FBI investigation. “What’s it going to take for a complete and independent investigation of both USOPC and USAG??”
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In summary, Simone Biles used her birthday as a platform to call for accountability from USA Gymnastics regarding the ongoing repercussions of the Nassar scandal, emphasizing the need for an independent investigation. Her steadfastness highlights the importance of transparency in organizations entrusted with the care of young athletes.
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