Los 40 USA
Sign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

Gymnastics

Biles claims she was abused by gymnastics doctor Nassar

Superstar gymnast Simone Biles has accused disgraced former Team USA gymnastics sports doctor Larry Nassar of abuse.

Biles claims she was abused by gymnastics doctor Nassar
Getty Images

Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has claimed she was sexually abused by ex-Team USA gymnastics sports doctor Larry Nassar.

Biles, a star member of the USA's successful gymnastics team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, on Monday became the latest athlete to state that she was molested by Nassar.

Simone Biles of the United States looks on prior to the Women's Vault Final on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Full screen
Simone Biles of the United States looks on prior to the Women's Vault Final on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Alex LiveseyGetty Images

Nassar was last month sentenced to 60 years in a federal prison for having child sex abuse images on his computer.

He is also awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct in November.

Statement

Biles tweeted a statement which said: "Most of you know me as a happy, giggly and energetic girl. But lately… I've felt a bit broken and the more I try to shut off the voice in my head the louder it screams. I am not afraid to tell my story anymore.

"I too am one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar. Please believe me when I say it was a lot harder to first 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 now I know it is not my fault. "It is not normal to receive any treatment from a trusted team physician and refer to it horrifyingly as the 'special' treatment. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, disgusting, and abusive. "For too long I've asked myself, 'Was I too naive? Was it my fault?' I now know the answer to those questions. No. Not, it was not my fault. No, I will not and should not carry the guilt."

Biles' former team-mate Gabby Douglas and fellow Olympian Aly Raisman have also accused Nassar of abuse.

When contacted by Omnisport, Nassar's attorney declined to comment on Biles' statement.

USAG released a statement, saying: "USA Gymnastics is absolutely heartbroken, sorry and angry that Simone Biles or any of our athletes have been harmed by the horrific acts of Larry Nassar.

"USA Gymnastics' support is unwavering for Simone and all athletes who courageously came forward to share their experiences. 

"We are our athletes' advocates. USA Gymnastics will continue to listen to our athletes and our members in our efforts of creating a culture of empowerment with a relentless focus on athlete safety every single day."