National Post (National Edition)
SI honours Nassar whistleblower for inspiration
Rachael Denhollander, who sent a message that was heard by hundreds of other women when she refused to remain silent about the sexual abuse of former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar, was presented with Sports Illustrated’s “Inspiration of the Year” award. And she was introduced by Christine Blasey Ford, who sent a message by coming forward with her own allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“In stepping forward, you took a huge risk and you galvanized future generations to come forward even when the odds are seemingly stacked against them,” Ford said in a video that was addressed to Denhollander.
Denhollander launched a #Metoo movement in the Olympic sport, one that resulted in the conviction of Nassar, who effectively is serving life sentences.
Denhollander, now a lawyer and the mother of three, filed suit against Nassar in federal court. More than 25 former gymnasts — including some of the sport’s biggest stars, and some husbands joined in. More than 300 women have said they were sexually assaulted by Nassar.
Earlier this week, an independent study concluded that, in the 14 months after two top executives at the U.S. Olympic Committee learned in July 2015 that Nassar — the longtime physician for Team USA women gymnasts — was suspected of sexual abuse, they failed to take any steps to ensure Nassar was no longer working with children, didn’t inform anyone else about the allegations, and deleted emails mentioning Nassar by name.