Simone Biles Denied Birthday Message From USA Gymnastics Urging Them to Do the ‘Right Thing’ First Back in 2020

The Larry Nassar case angered an entire community of athletes after a doctor sexually abused several gymnasts. In the meantime, Simone Biles blamed USA Gymnastics for not protecting the athletes amidst the issue. In a past emotional interview, Biles stepped in to offer her thoughts on the unsavory incident. The lasting trauma was apparent to all gymnasts, and individuals could not believe what happened. Once, she shut down USA Gymnastics for wishing her on her birthday rather than examining the case.

Celebrating her birthday on March 14th, Biles pushed away the birthday wish of USA Gymnastics as she mentioned the organization of not taking steps in the right direction. She passed on her feelings and gave them a fitting reply with a social media post. 

Simone Biles shuts down USA Gymnastics

The USA Gymnastics posted a birthday wish with a video for Biles on Twitter stating, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time, @simonebiles! We know you will only continue to amaze us and make history!” It left Biles unimpressed as she gave a response to that birthday acknowledgment. “How about you amaze me and do the right thing… have an independent investigation.” 

Earlier in 2019, she spoke emotionally in an interview about the institution having “one damn job”, to protect the welfare of the gymnasts. Biles, like others, was left traumatized after the abuse from the doctor, who met a sentence of up to 40-175 years in prison for various sexual abuse crimes, and 60 years for child pornography. 

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Simone spoke out of favor of USA Gymnastics in failing to protect young gymnasts. “It’s hard coming here for an organization and having had them fail us so many times. They couldn’t do one damn job. You had one job. You literally had one job and you couldn’t protect us,” mentioned Biles. 

Leaving an emotional scar

For young girls to face this travesty, Biles recollected how going to the gym became an issue. She could not train after the abuse and forced herself to leave the gym. After her interview, USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung recognized the work the organization needed to do to win back the trust of the gymnasts. 

It was a dark phase in USA gymnastics. For Biles, she stood up again to be counted and focused on issues outside the sport. She is a prominent advocate for mental health struggles and is a role model for younger generations. Continuing her work outside the sport of gymnastics, she is the leader that most of us aspire to be. 

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