The Olympic gymnast posted an emotional essay on Twitter on Monday.
Simone Biles is finally ready to tell her story.
The Olympic gymnast posted an emotional essay to Twitter on Monday, in which she claims she was sexually abused by ex-USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar.
In November, the former sports doctor pleaded guilty and was charged with molesting seven girls under the guise of treatment at his home and clinic at Michigan State University. Nassar, who faces lawsuits filed by more than 125 women and girls, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Dec. 7.
"Most of you know me as a happy, giggly and energetic girl. But lately…I’ve felt a bit broken and the more I try to shut off the voice in my head the louder it screams,” Biles, 20, wrote. “I am not afraid to tell my story anymore. I too am one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar.”
"For too long I've asked myself, 'Was I too naive? Was it my fault?' I now know the answer to those questions," she continued. "No. No, it was not my fault. No, I will not and should not carry the guilt that belongs to Larry Nassar, USAG, and others."
Biles -- whose Olympic teammates, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas, as well as McKayla Maroney, have also accused Nassar of sexually abusing them -- said that it "breaks my heart" to know that in order to prepare for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, she will have to "return to the same training facility where I was abused."
"After hearing the brave stories of my friends and other survivors, I know that this horrific experience does not define me. I am much more than this. I am unique, smart, talented, motivated and passionate," she shared. "I have promised myself that my story will be much greater than this and I promise all of you that I will never give up. I will compete with all of my heart and soul every time I step into the gym. I love this sport too much and I have never been a quitter. I won't let one man, and the others that enabled him, to steal my love and joy."
Just minutes after Biles' post, Raisman tweeted her support, writing, "I am so proud of you. You are incredible Simone. I stand with you. I am shaking reading your post. I know we will all get through this together."
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