Larry Nassar. The name brings up feelings of anger, sadness, and disbelief. His actions have forever tarnished the world of gymnastics and left hundreds of young girls traumatized. This is the horrific tale of Larry Nassar – a man who betrayed the trust of his patients and used his position of power to abuse them.
Nassar was born in Michigan in 1963 and grew up with a deep passion for gymnastics. He became a respected doctor and served as the national team doctor for USA Gymnastics from 1996 to 2015. Throughout his tenure, Nassar treated numerous athletes, including high-profile gymnasts who competed in the Olympics.
However, beneath his professional facade, Nassar was a monster. He used his medical treatments as a guise to sexually abuse young girls under the age of 18. He would penetrate his patients digitally, using his ungloved hand, while claiming it was a legitimate medical procedure. This abuse went on for years, with Nassar manipulating his victims into believing it was a necessary part of their treatment.
It wasn’t until 2016, when investigative journalism by The Indianapolis Star brought Nassar’s crimes to light, that the world began to understand the depth of his betrayal. The survivors who spoke out against Nassar faced skepticism and disbelief at first, but their stories eventually gained traction, leading to the unearthing of decades of abuse.
The systemic failures that allowed Nassar to continue his crimes for so long are deeply troubling. Multiple institutions and individuals failed to take appropriate action despite receiving reports and complaints about Nassar’s behavior. USA Gymnastics, Michigan State University, and even other medical professionals turned a blind eye or actively worked to protect Nassar. This shocking complicity allowed him to prey on more than 300 victims over the course of two decades.
The survivors of Nassar’s abuse, often referred to as “sister survivors,” displayed immense bravery as they faced their abuser in court during his trial. Their impact was felt around the world, as the #MeToo movement gained momentum and shed light on the widespread issue of sexual abuse.
The fallout from Nassar’s crimes has been significant, with numerous investigations, lawsuits, and reforms taking place to prevent similar abuses in the future. USA Gymnastics underwent a complete overhaul, including the resignation of the entire board of directors. New legislation was passed in several states to extend the statute of limitations for survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers.
The story of Larry Nassar serves as a painful reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist within institutions we trust implicitly. It highlights the importance of believing victims, advocating for their voices to be heard, and holding those responsible accountable.