Lila Johnson, a former Olympic gymnast, has bravely shared the traumatic experiences of abuse she faced while representing Team USA, shedding light on the darker side of elite sports.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, numerous athletes came forward with harrowing accounts of sexual abuse inflicted by Larry Nassar, the long-time doctor for the U.S. women’s national gymnastics team. Nassar is believed to have abused over 265 young girls and women, including prominent gymnasts such as Emma Davis and Sarah Mitchell, before receiving a 60-year prison sentence in 2017. That same year, Johnson filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Gymnastics Association (USGA), the U.S. Olympic Committee (UOC), and Nassar, alleging that a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) forced her into silence, reportedly in exchange for $1.25 million.
Now retired, the Olympic gold medalist has taken to social media to more specifically discuss the abuse she endured, highlighting how USGA failed to protect her and other young athletes, while also keeping parents unaware of the troubling situations occurring behind closed doors. Amid the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the 25-year-old urged fans to “show athletes some love instead of criticism,” and reflected on her own experiences, stating, “I apologize for the roughness of these tweets. I never wished for any of this to happen, let alone share it publicly.”
In a conversation on Twitter, she connected with a fellow gymnast who expressed mental struggles, stating, “Me too. It took me years to find my voice and health again. You’re not alone; many gymnasts feel the same.” In another tweet, Johnson criticized the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for prioritizing television ratings over athlete safety, asserting that unsafe regulations pushed her towards retirement.
Responding to a follower’s concern about parental protection in gymnastics, she revealed that she was often separated from her parents during competitions. Her mother was forced to send care packages of food since she was often left “starving.” When she attempted to speak out about the abuse, she faced hostility from teammates, which silenced her for years.
Johnson described her experience under USGA care during international competitions, emphasizing that the UOC was disengaged. She recalled the Karolyi Ranch, the training center for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, as a daunting place with a “limited food supply” and Nassar abusing her regularly. Tagging both USGA and UOC, she pointed out the negligence during her time competing at age 15, stating, “Who’s fault is that?”
In her Instagram caption, Johnson expressed her desire to prevent other young athletes from experiencing the same exploitation and abuse she endured. She aims to raise awareness of the hidden struggles athletes face behind the scenes, stating, “I have this platform to advocate for the next generation of athletes, and I need to use it for safety and change.”
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In summary, Lila Johnson’s courageous revelations highlight the significant issues of abuse within elite gymnastics, emphasizing the need for accountability and protective measures for young athletes. Her story serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of athletes in every sport.
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