Pause—a word that often seems insignificant to those who strive for success. Or is it? From our classrooms to our offices, pauses have often been seen as the enemy of ambition, a barrier blocking the path to greatness. But beyond the Merriam-Webster definition, two-time Olympian Aly Raisman is challenging our understanding of this simple yet seemingly all-encompassing word.

After her illustrious career in gymnastics, Aly has shifted her focus, using her platform to advocate for athletes’ and women’s safety. Her journey illustrates the profound impact a purposeful pause can have on one’s life and the lives of others.

The decorated gymnast spoke with BBC reporter Katty Kay on 17th July, sharing her new, unconventional approach to life. Known for her remarkable achievements, Raisman announced her decision to step away from the very event that earned her fame and recognition: the Olympics. While some may see this as a shortsighted move, her decision reflects profound courage and an ambition to achieve something “beyond a gold medal.”

For many, an Olympic medal—be it gold, silver, or bronze—symbolizes the pinnacle of success and the start of a luminous career. However, for Aly Raisman, it represents something else entirely: a pause.

From the Balance Beam to the Community: Aly Raisman’s Triple Twist into Social Work

In an exclusive interview, Aly Raisman revealed her dream of transcending her role as a champion gymnast to become a champion for others. The gold-medal-winning captain of the iconic “Fierce Five” team from the 2012 Olympics and the “Final Five” team from the 2016 Olympics spoke passionately about her new mission: to drive swift and impactful changes in society, with a sharp focus on athlete and women’s safety. Aly’s vision isn’t just about making waves; it’s about creating a tsunami of positive change, inspired by the resilience and tenacity that carried her to Olympic glory.

Aly’s incredible journey in gymnastics, marked by six Olympic medals and historic achievements, including being the most decorated American gymnast at the 2012 Olympics and the third-most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, is only part of her story. As a survivor of the horrifying abuse by Team USA doctor Larry Nassar, she has turned her painful experience into a powerful catalyst for change.Furthermore, Aly Raisman is unwavering in her support for her friends and highly decorated teammates.

She has consistently shown immense support for her fellow gymnast Simone Biles, who faced harsh criticism for withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics due to the emotional toll of past abuse. Aly expressed deep empathy and understanding for Biles, stated to TODAY, “I also am just thinking about the mental impact that this has to have on Simone. It’s just so much pressure, and I’ve been watching how much pressure has been on her in the months leading up to the Games, and it’s just devastating. I feel horrible.”

Her goal is unmistakable: to build a world where no athlete has to endure what she did. Aly is known for her rock-solid promises, whether on the beam or in social movements. She’s a trailblazer, relentlessly driving change with the same determination that earned her Olympic gold and back-to-back team gold medals, a feat achieved by only her and teammate Gabby Douglas.

Raisman’s maturity and leadership extend far beyond her years. She seeks to turn her personal trauma into a beacon of hope and advocacy for mental health, reaching out to those beyond the gymnastics community. Raisman attributes her transformation not just to her personal ambitions but to a broader movement, inspired by a piece of wisdom from fashion mogul Stuart Weitzman:

“I felt like, ‘isn’t one [Olympics] enough?’ I remember I met with Stuart Weitzman who said to me: ‘Don’t let the Olympics be the highlight of your life’ – and that was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. I think about it all the time!”

This profound advice steered her toward seeking value not in medals but in making a tangible difference off the court where change is desperately needed, yet never actualised. She also recently authored a children’s book titled “From My Head to My Toes,” aimed at teaching young readers about consent and bodily autonomy. Through this, she empowers not only those who have been silenced but also potential survivors who are too young or afraid to speak out.

Champions Beyond the Arena: How Sports Heroes Are Reshaping Society

This courageous pivot from the Olympic spotlight to championing social causes is not a path every athlete dares to tread. Rising from the glittering heights of Olympic fame and sacrificing personal glory for a greater cause is a rare choice. Fortunately she is not alone in her fight and stands alongside a constellation of remarkable athletes who are harnessing their social and private influence to propel societal change.

A leading example is Colin Kaepernick, who sacrificed his NFL career to kneel against racial injustice and now furthers his attempts at societal change through his Know Your Rights Camps.  LeBron James, a champion on and off the court, exceeds his duties by ensuring at-risk children have a bright future through his “I PROMISE School.” Megan Rapinoe is leading the charge for equal pay in women’s soccer, joining the ranks of legends like Billie Jean King, who founded the Women’s Tennis Association to fight for equal pay in tennis. Rapinoe’s endeavour quickly yielded fruitful results last year, with her success best captured in her own words, “Last year, my U.S. Women’s Soccer teammates and myself secured a landmark settlement against the U.S Soccer Federation for their unequal, discriminatory pay of women players.” 

Thus, these athletes together form a constellation of stars, each one a knight in their own battle against societal injustice. Yet Raisman, like the Pole Star, stands out as a protagonist-hero among legends, dedicated to ensuring that future generations can enjoy sports free from abuse and neglect. She guarantees both athletes and fans a vision of a future we all can look forward to, yet were never truly guaranteed.