Simone Biles says she was sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar
01/15/2018 3:11 pm PST
via WZTV:
WASHINGTON -- (WZTV) -- Gold medalist Simone Biles has added her name to the list of people who were sexually abused by former Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Biles released her story on Twitter saying, "Please believe me when I say it was a lot harder to first speak those words out loud that 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 it is not my fault."
The gymnast described being horrified by "special treatment" she received from Nassar. She also says she will not carry the guilt that belongs to Nassar and USA Gymnastics.
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"This behavior is completely unacceptable, disgusting, and abusive, especially coming from someone whom I was TOLD to trust," Biles said. "It is impossibly difficult to relieve these experiences and it breaks my heart even more to think that as I work towards my dream of competing in Tokyo 2020, I will have to continually return to the same training facility where I was abused."
Biles was inspired by the "brave stories of my friends." Her teammates McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas have also shared stories of their own tribulations with Nassar. There are at least 100 victims.
"I know that this horrific experience does not define me. I am much more than this. I am unique, smart, talented, motivated, and passionate. I have promised myself that my story will be much greater than this and I promise all of you that I will never give up," said Biles.
In November, Nassar pled guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct.
FULL STORY: Simone Biles says she was sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar - WZTV