The last time we saw Aly Raisman in the gymnastics arena was at the 2016 Olympics, where she completed a stunning floor routine, then burst into tears, knowing she had avenged her loss of an all-around medal four years earlier. In that moment, the little girl whod grown up watching the 1996 Olympics on VHS had won her battle. But her real fight was just beginning.
Less than two years later, she was in a courtroom face to face with Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who reportedly abused more than 250 female athletes. For 12 minutes, Raisman stood mere feet from her abuser and spoke her truth. She told him that the women and girls he assaulted are a force and that he is nothingthat the power had shifted. Raismans raw, emotional statement went viral. Nassar went to prison for the rest of his life.
I knew I was part of this army of survivors, this sisterhood of women who are so strong and brave.
It was very triggering in the momentemotionally and physically draining. But at the same time, I had this feeling of not being alone, Raisman says. I knew I was part of this army of survivors, this sisterhood of women who are so strong and brave. It was bigger than me.
Since then, the 25-year-old has channeled her strength into advocacy: Shes supporting legislation that would help bring justice for more than 400 survivors who have accused a USC gynecologist of sexually assaulting them; she funded the #FlipTheSwitch campaign with Darkness to Light, a nonprofit that empowers adults to prevent child sexual abuse; and shes part of York Athletics new Worth the Fight campaign.
Watch Raisman give a speech calling for greater support of sexual abuse survivors:
Whether youre a parent or a coach, if youre an adult stepping into any sport with children, you should be educated on how to prevent verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, says Raisman. I have not seen USA Gymnastics ensure that coaches and staff are taught that, and to me, its a no-brainer.
While her career as a pro gymnast may be in the past (fun fact: boxing is her favorite workout right now), Raisman is outspoken about her hopes for the future for womens sports, which include more coverage and less focus on physical appearance.
And no matter what, Raisman says shell keep telling her story. Things are slowly changing because female athletes are speaking up, and thats so important, she says. Gymnastics is very different now from when I was watching the 1996 Olympics, but we still have a long way to go. We just have to keep sharing our truth.
This article appears in the July/August 2019 issue of Womens Health. For more intel on how to live a happier, healthier life, pick up an issue