I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did – US gymnast Simone Biles Reveals
Simone Biles testified before the Senate about her abuse recently, blaming the systems that allowed it to happen and hoping they can be changed to help others.
Biles, who won Olympic medals in her discipine, was speaking before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the FBI’s handling of the Larry Nassar investigation.
“I don’t want another young gymnast, or Olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nasser abuse,” said Biles.
“I blame Larry Nasser, and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse.
“If you allow a predator to harm children, the consequences will be swift and severe.”
The Olympic athlete felt let down by many organisations and authorities, including the FBI.
“We suffered and continue to suffer, because no one at FBI, [USA Gymnastics] or the [United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee] did what was necessary to protect us,” said Biles.
“We have been failed and we deserve answers. Nasser is where he belongs, but those who enabled him deserve to be held accountable.
“If they are not, I am convinced that this will continue to happen to others across Olympic sports.”
Biles was noticeably choked up and on occasion broke down in tears as she gave her testimony. Former team doctor Larry Nassar is serving a life sentence behind bars, but the investigation into the FBI’s handling of the case is ongoing.
A report from the Justice Department released in July revealed grave failings and mistakes on the part of the FBI, which led to severe delays in bringing Nassar to justice.
Nassar used his position as doctor to abuse more than 330 children and young people. His sentence was delivered between December 2017 and February 2018.
