‘Money and medals over safety’: Nassar judge warns gymnasts are still being failed
Summary
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who sentenced doctor Larry Nassar for abusing over 250 gymnasts, says little has changed in protecting athletes since his crimes came to light 10 years ago. She and other advocates say sports organizations still put winning and money above athlete safety, and more needs to be done to protect gymnasts and prevent abuse.Key Facts
- Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 250 female gymnasts.
- Judge Aquilina says meaningful changes to protect athletes have not happened since Nassar’s case.
- Safety for athletes is described as a human right that should be prioritized above medals or money.
- Survivors and activists from Gymnasts for Change International say survivor voices are still ignored and reforms are insufficient.
- The sport’s governing bodies resist change due to rigid hierarchies and fear of addressing systemic problems.
- Human Rights Watch highlights that while some rules exist to protect athletes, they are poorly enforced.
- The sports world still faces problems similar to those once seen in the Catholic church’s handling of abuse cases, with abusers sometimes moved rather than removed.
- A new secretary general is expected soon at World Gymnastics, which some hope will lead to real improvements in athlete safety.
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