The USA is easily one of the most dominant names when it comes to gymnastics. The country’s relentless dominance on international stages has become a common sight over the years, proving its superiority over many others. And yet, even the highly coveted USA Gymnastics brethren isn’t without its dark spots. The shocking news that rocked the community involving Larry Nassar was a hard pill to swallow for many community members. But those who were affected by the incident are still turmoiled by the experience.

Former Team USA doctor Nassar was accused of using his designation to abuse many of the national gymnasts during his time at the helm. The reports rattled everyone involved as several gymnasts stepped forward with their statements on the harrowing details. Among these athletes, Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber was also a victim. Despite the whole thing being a thing of the past, Wieber still cannot forget how the ordeal impacted her performance as well.

Former Team USA gymnastics star recalls harrowing encounter

In an article by People from January 8, Wieber talked about the mental trauma she endured at the hands of the former Team USA doctor. “I was a victim of one of the most prolific sexual abuse cases in the history of sport,” said the UCLA Bruins alum, who was a member of the national team that won gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Despite her stellar success on the grandest stage, Jordyn still struggled to keep up with her national duties, with Nassar’s actions disrupting her inner peace.

“There was stuff that was going on behind the scenes that just made it hard to continue and compete,” she said as Wieber’s voice started to break as she recounted the horrid experience. For any fan of the sport, it’s not difficult to understand that the Olympic Games demand the highest composure from the athletes. To perform at the top level, it’s paramount to have a mental space where the stars can bring out the best they have to offer. But with Nassar around, that became an arduous task.

Wieber is currently the head coach of the NCAA powerhouse, the Arkansas Razorbacks. The program competes in the SEC conference, and with the veteran gymnast at the steering wheel, the collegiate gymnasts hope to become elite stars of their own. While Jordyn is trying her best to put the whole thing in her rearview mirror, she isn’t alone in her fight.

How the unfolding details rocked the country

Larry Nassar joined Team USA’s national team medical staff in 1986. Allegations against his conduct only arose in 2014, when a Michigan State University gymnast filed a Title IX complaint against Nassar. Subsequently, more athletes stepped forward with their encounters with Nassar, and ultimately, the FBI opened an investigation into the matter. However, the details of the investigation weren’t made public in the initial stages, but with stars like Aly Raisman and Simone Biles now also joining the protests, the whole fiasco started gaining more attention.

Ultimately, Nassar was convicted of his crimes, and the entire USA Gymnastics board resigned under pressure from the US Olympic Committee. While many consider justice to be served, the victims are still finding ways to cope with what they had to go through. For stars like Wieber and the others, one can only hope that they can manage to find solace in the fact that their fight wasn’t in vain.

How do you think the survivors can move on from their ordeal? Share your message for Jordyn and others in a comment!