“That changed my life“: Aly Raisman‘s own experience made her believe that others needed her support more than ever. Talking about one’s sexual harassment or similar issues is never easy. But the three-time Olympic gold medalist isn’t known for being mute when her colleagues put her through a traumatizing ordeal if nothing else. And she made sure her elite position was put to good use.

Raisman has been a staunch advocate to promote athletes’ mental health and was also one of the first gymnasts to speak out about the palpable sexual assaults carried out by the former US women’s national gymnastics team’s physiatrist Larry Nassar when things came to the fore in 2017. And she has no regrets.

Aly Raisman braves through distraught

In a recent interview with USA Today, Aly Raisman sat down to talk about the scandalous events that sent ripples across the country seven years ago. The two-time world champion said that while her gymnastics career is undoubtedly one of the biggest achievements of her life, speaking the truth also is something that gave her immense joy. Raisman said it made her proud for “…sharing things that were not easy” to talk about.

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“It felt like I was opening a wound that just kind of wouldn’t heal“, spoke an evidently emotional Raisman. But she also mentioned the amount of support she received from her fans and close ones changed her life, and even helped her find her calling after stepping away from the US National Team. The whole incident opened her eyes to how thousands of abuse survivors keep suffering in silence in fear of being chastised. But she knew her platform would be the one arsenal in her hand that could change the condition.

Raisman further said that her focus now lies in teaching budding athletes about the things that she should have known, and also to help them understand the signs where they need to stand their ground instead of giving in to the pressure. She said being a “…good role model“, and finding her place outside of gymnastics are what makes her proud today. But she wasn’t the only one to extend their help to the others.

Raisman maintained her poise, even in adverse weather

Aly Raisman was the second gymnast from the iconic “Fierce Five” group to come forward with their allegations against Nassar. Her teammate McKayla Maroney added to the accusations recollecting how the former physician took advantage of his position to abuse the young gymnasts. However, unlike many of her colleagues, Raisman pointed her fingers at the institutional powers that help such perpetrators to exist in society and asked for better policies to root out the problems for good. During the testimonial hearing,s Raisman showed her strong mentality as she went through the entire ordeal without shedding a tear.

Later, Aly explained that she didn’t want the world to see her as a victim, instead wanted to portray her unwavering mentality in the face of adversity. Now, she once again stands strong as an impenetrable shield which helps more survivors muster the courage to come forward and go public with their own experiences so that others don’t have to suffer the same fate.