The sport of gymnastics, while celebrated for its grace and athleticism, has a troubling history marred by traumatic experiences for many of its top athletes. Despite their remarkable achievements, athletes like Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Maggie Nichols, and others have faced significant challenges within the sport. While Simone Biles and her peers have emerged as vocal advocates, shedding light on the dark realities of gymnastics, cracks in the system persist.

Last year, athletes like Kara Eaker, Kim Tessan, and others demonstrated that the trauma extended beyond elite gymnastics, reaching even into college gymnastics. Recently, echoing Simone Biles’ struggles, another brave US gymnast has confessed to horrifying coach behavior.

US gymnast exposes mistreatment by coach

Former gymnast and Temple University graduate Julianna Roland took to her X platform to share her harrowing experience of her last years in the sport. Despite her deep love for gymnastics growing up, within just two years, she shared how all her joy was stripped away, leaving lasting impacts even after leaving the sport. Julianna recounted how, despite her successful year as a freshman, her time in the program was marked by physical and emotional strain.

This included competing with severe injuries, enduring humiliation from her coach, and facing constant criticism about her appearance and food choices. She vividly recalled moments like her coach monitoring meals in the dining hall, leading her to sneak food out due to discomfort.

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Following the COVID-19 quarantine period, Julianna set out to return to the sport stronger, but she picked up unhealthy behaviors driven by the belief that her worth was solely tied to her performance and appearance. This had a detrimental impact on Julianna’s mental and physical health. She bravely shared how she dropped over 30 pounds in two months and said, “I developed a crippling eating disorder that almost took my life and made it difficult to do just about everything”.

Despite her ordeal, she initially resisted seeking help. However, with time and support from a new coaching environment that prioritized her well-being, Julianna began to heal. She recognized the importance of sharing her story to advocate for change and prevent others from enduring similar mistreatment. As we reflect on Julianna Roland’s heartbreaking past, it echoes a similar nightmare once faced by Simone Biles.

How has Simone Biles had a similar experience?

In 2021, during an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes”, Simone Biles also revealed that during her training camps at Karolyi Ranch in Texas, she and fellow gymnasts were often underfed, prompting them to sneak into the cafeteria to find extra food. The Olympian admitted to breaking into the cafeteria at night to eat, recalling moments of running with hoodies up to avoid getting caught.

This revelation came after Simone Biles called out beauty standards in gymnastics, emphasizing the impact of unrealistic beauty ideals on her self-esteem. Today, Biles stands as a staunch advocate in the sport, and with Julianna Roland joining the chorus, fans are hopeful that these outspoken revelations will influence a new generation of athletes and usher in an era of gymnastics fueled by the ambition to create a haven within the sport.