Nastia Liukin Speaks Out in Support of Gymnastics Community Following Larry Nassar Abuse Allegations
Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin has voiced her support for athletes who have come forward with allegations of abuse by U.S. gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
"I continue to be in awe of my teammates and other women and the bravery it took for them to come forward with their own stories of Larry Nassar's abuse,” Liukin wrote in a blog post. “All week long I have been a witness to their testimonies live on my computer. They all inspire me with their courage.”
"To compete on the biggest stage of our lives, while knowing the man on the floor with us was a monster, takes incredible fortitude and strength,” she continued. “His actions and assaults against my teammates, friends and other women are appalling and disgusting and I am so sorry they had to go through it alone."
Liukin also shared that she hopes to help, “create positive change and a brighter future,” and is starting by donating proceeds from her upcoming gymnastics competition, the Nastia Liukin Cup, to victims of sexual abuse.
She also noted that her father is currently coach of the Women’s National Team and also wants to improve the “culture and environment of this program.”
“He continues to stay committed to providing a safe environment for these young women working so hard at a sport we all love so much,” she wrote.
Sports stars, including gold medalists Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney, have come forward with stories of alleged abuse. Nassar has pleaded guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct and is facing a minimum of 25 years in prison. Nassar, who faces lawsuits filed by more than 125 women and girls, was previously sentenced to 60 years in prison in December for possession of child pornography.
See more on the allegations against Nassar below.
RELATED CONTENT:
NEWS: Simone Biles Claims She Was Also Sexually Abused by Former USA Doctor Larry Nassar
NEWS: Chrissy Teigen Offers to Pay $100K Fine if McKayla Maroney Breaks Her NDA Against Larry Nassar
