

Aly Raisman is a retired Olympic gymnast, mental health advocate, and commentator. She has transitioned to roles in media, including as an ESPN analyst for NCAA gymnastics, and as an Olympics.com contributor for the Paris 2024 games. Additionally, she has authored a children’s book and continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support.
She has had the role since early 2024 as a gymnastics analyst for ESPN and ABC, including coverage of NCAA gymnastics and high‑profile events. The artistic gymnast and three-time Olympian is still very relevant in the media because of her advocacy and work with ESPN.
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When and why did Aly Raisman retire from gymnastics?
Raisman’s official retirement was in January 2020 after two Olympic wins. The star gymnast decided to end her amazing career due to a combination of factors related to her physical and mental well-being.
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Her successes included leading the “Fierce Five” and the “Final Five” of the US Olympic team, winning multiple medals at the Olympics and World Championships, and being a two-time Olympic champion. But she also suffered severe trauma as the victim of a s—– assault by Larry Nassar. This experience, combined with the physical demands of the sport, prompted her to prioritize her health and advocate for change in gymnastics.
She has openly talked about her whole experience and keeps posting the same on Instagram. Raisman said she needs time to reflect on her incredible career and on the tough times, too. This is the reason for her retirement, as mentioned by Aly.
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The gold medal Olympian posted, “I’ve lived a pretty fast-paced life and sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down, unplug from technology and take time to appreciate what I’ve experienced and learned.”
The gymnast, who hails from Needham, expressed that the enormity of dreams is unspeakable. She emphasized her determination to articulate this power, acknowledging that it is the key to making magic happen. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of dreams in providing strength and resilience to her younger self during challenging periods.
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Aly Raisman: More impactful as an Olympian or as a mental health advocate? What's your take?
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Is Aly Raisman working in media or television?
She currently has a role as a gymnastics analyst for ESPN and ABC from 2024. She has done the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship coverage, SportsCenter, and Good Morning America appearances. Her book, “From My Head to My Toes,” focuses on body positivity and consent for young readers.
What advocacy work does Aly Raisman focus on after retirement?
Aly Raisman does amazing work as a s—– abuse survivor advocate, including Larry Nassar’s testimony. Her efforts to improve athlete safety and raise awareness on consent have greatly helped the industry. Apart from this, she also works on mental health campaigns, body positivity messages, and is a children’s book author.
Who are Aly Raisman’s parents and siblings?
Aly’s parents are Lynn Faber (mother) and Rick Raisman (father). She has three siblings: Chloe, Brett, and Madison, who have always been supportive of her and her career. Her parents were always actively involved in her training and attended the most important tournaments of her career.
Aly Raisman was born in Massachusetts, and her mother, Lynn, a former high school gymnast, provided an excellent foundation for her daughter’s athletic diversions.
Lynn honestly communicated in a 2016 interview with the New York Post. “Time is such a precious commodity, and the impact on family time was tough…There were some times where my husband took her siblings away … and I stayed home with Aly.”
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Her parents are genuinely protective of her, which was visible when they went viral in 2012 and 2016. They were seen on the stands while their daughter was performing her routine flawlessly. However, her parents were pretty nervous and flinched at every flip and jump that she did.
Aly is well-connected with her Jewish heritage, which has influenced her songs during her floor routines.
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Why does Aly Raisman remain an inspiration today?
Raisman’s evolution from Olympian to advocate and media personality, while also being brave enough to advocate for mental health and s—– assault awareness, has made her a global icon.
She has had a huge impact on sports safety, mental health, and women’s empowerment by proving herself not only by being an amazing athlete but also as a strong voice for the voiceless.
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"Aly Raisman: More impactful as an Olympian or as a mental health advocate? What's your take?"