‘FORWARD’ FLIPS
Aly backs change in sport
The U.S. Olympic Committee is getting the ball rolling to potentially remove USA Gymnastics as the governing body of the sport throughout the country, and gold medalist Aly Raisman has something to say about it.
The Needham native addressed “the gymnastics community” in a post yesterday, writing: “I believe this is a significant step forward that is necessary for the overall health and well-being of the sport and its athletes. Change is not easy, and the unknown can be scary, but we need to do whatever it takes to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. There are so many amazing, talented, and kind-hearted people in this sport, and it’s time for them to lead us into the future!”
On Monday, Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, released an open letter to American gymnasts that explained the initial steps Olympic officials were taking to dismantle the organization, filing a complaint that initiated a proceeding against USA Gymnastics.
“While each of you has overcome adversity in different ways, some facing unimaginably terrible situations,” Hirshland wrote, “everyone now faces the difficult realty of belonging to a national organization that continues to struggle to change its culture, to rebuild its leadership and to effectively serve its membership.
“You deserve better,” she continued, adding, “So today I’m writing to let you know that the United States Olympic Committee has taken the first steps to revoke USA Gymnastics’ recognition as the National Governing Body for gymnastics in the United States and offered USA Gymnastics the option of surrendering its recognition voluntarily.”
This development comes almost a year after former team doctor Larry Nassar was convicted of abusing hundreds of athletes under his care. During the trial, Raisman came forward as a survivor, passionately speaking out against the disgraced physician, who’s now serving life in prison.
Since the scandal broke, USA Gymnastics has burned through several leaders. Steve Penny, who headed the organization while Nassar was onboard, stepped down from his position in March 2017 and, just last month, he was arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence pertaining to the high-profile case. His successor, Kerry Perry, was forced to resign in September, and Mary Bono later took over her title. The turnover continued, as Bono then quit as the interim CEO, after less than a week on the job, in October. She left following backlash from her public criticism of Nike for its ad campaign featuring quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick.