Former Gymnast Mia Lawson Reveals Disturbing Abuse During 2012 Olympics

Mia Lawson, a former Olympic gymnast, has bravely shared the shocking abuse she faced while competing for Team USA, revealing the dark realities of her experience.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, numerous athletes disclosed that they had been victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar, the physician for the U.S. women’s national gymnastics team for nearly two decades. Nassar is accused of abusing at least 265 young girls and women during his tenure, including notable gymnasts like Tara Greene, Emma Smith, and Mia Lawson. He was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison in 2017. That same year, Lawson filed a lawsuit against USA Gymnastics (USAG), the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), and Michigan State University, claiming they silenced her through a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), reportedly compensating her with $1.25 million to remain quiet.

Now retired from gymnastics, the Olympic gold medalist has taken to social media to shed light on the abuse she endured, highlighting how USAG and other organizations failed to protect her and other young athletes while keeping their parents in the dark.

Speaking Out on Social Media

During the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 25-year-old posted on Instagram, urging fans to “please give athletes some understanding, and send them love instead of criticism.” She shared a series of tweets about her trauma, stating, “These tweets can be tough to read, and I apologize for that. I never wanted these experiences to happen, much less have to express them publicly.”

On Twitter, she supported another gymnast’s sentiment that “gymnastics broke me more mentally than physically,” responding, “Same here, #MeToo. It took me years to rediscover myself, my health, and my voice. You’re not alone. Many gymnasts share similar feelings.”

In a subsequent tweet, she criticized the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), claiming they consistently prioritize television ratings over athlete welfare, stating that their “dangerous regulations played a significant role in my decision to retire. I have numerous complaints.”

Isolation and Abuse

Responding to a follower who questioned parental involvement in gymnastics, Lawson revealed that she was often separated from her parents during competitions, and her mother had to send care packages with food because she was “starving.”

Lawson expressed that when she tried to speak out about the abuse, organizations would deflect blame. She recounted her experiences at the Karolyi Ranch, saying it “felt more like an isolated location with limited food, and a doctor abusing me regularly.”

Tagging both USAG and USOC, she confronted them directly, “When I was under ‘your care’ in Tokyo competing for Team USA at 15, and my parents couldn’t be with me… I was left alone, vulnerable, with Larry Nassar for 50 minutes. Whose fault is that?”

She recounted that when she attempted to confide in a teammate about Nassar, she was met with hostility, being told to “Shut up, and never say anything about Larry Nassar again.” This reaction silenced her for a long time, pushing her to suppress her trauma until she felt ready to speak about it again in 2015.

Advocating for Change

In her Instagram post, Lawson expressed her hope to protect future athletes from the exploitation and abuse she suffered, emphasizing the need to increase awareness about the hidden darkness in sports. She concluded, “I am grateful to have this platform to advocate for the next generation of athletes, and I must use it to promote safety and create lasting change. Although sharing this personal narrative feels embarrassing, I know I’m not alone due to the stories of others. Ultimately, USOC and USAG must be held accountable.”

As we reflect on Mia Lawson’s courage, we hope she, along with all the survivors of abuse, can find healing. Her story may provide solace to those who have faced similar experiences.

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In summary, Mia Lawson’s revelations highlight the urgent need for systemic change in the world of competitive sports. Her courage in speaking out serves as an inspiration for others to share their stories and seek justice.