Simone Biles, an Olympic gymnast, came forward in 2018 as a sexual abuse victim of former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar. She decided to share her past trauma in order to help others, but it was a difficult decision to make. Nassar was indicted on state sexual assault charges and ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with minors. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography and evidence tampering in 2017. Biles shared her experience with Nassar in a social media message during his sentencing hearing.
Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison during his initial hearing in Lansing, Michigan and an additional 40 to 125 years during a separate hearing in Eaton County, Michigan. Biles revealed that she had already been diagnosed with anxiety and depression before going public with her experience with Nassar. She struggled with mental health issues and feelings of guilt that were not hers to hold. With continued therapy, Biles has learned to let go of that guilt and has seen improvements in her mental health.
Biles described how her mental health struggles impacted how she processed the trauma of her past, leading to sleepless nights and feelings of heaviness. She admitted that her past trauma may have played a role in the mental health issues she faced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Despite the challenges she has faced, Biles has learned that her past does not define her and she is able to have conversations and good days alongside the bad ones.
Throughout her journey, Biles has emphasized the importance of seeking help and support for those who have experienced sexual assault. She encourages others to reach out and speak up if they have been victims of sexual abuse. Biles’ decision to come forward and share her story has not only helped her in her own healing process but has also provided support and inspiration to others who may have gone through similar experiences. She hopes that by shining a light on sexual abuse, she can help others find the courage to seek help and start their own healing journey.
