Taking On New Role, Champion Gymnast Aly Raisman Reflects on the Lasting Impact of Standing Against Abuse: ‘People Will Share’

The United States has gifted the world with some of the best gymnasts in the world, and Aly Raisman is definitely one of them. Raisman is also the third-most decorated gymnast in the United States. Not only has she framed six Olympic medals and multiple world titles on her wall of fame, but the gymnast has also been an inspiration to those who suffer sexual abuse in silence.

After sharing her own story publicly, Aly Raisman helped several individuals out there who have been through molestation without opening up to anyone. After speaking out against the US women’s national gymnastics team’s physiatrist in 2017, the Olympian recently discussed how others have found the courage to speak up without enduring silent suffering.

Aly Raisman, a pioneering mental health advocate

The former gymnastics prodigy was hosted by USA Today on their YouTube channel last month, where she got candid about her new role and how she is helping people. “Because I’ve shared my story so publicly, you know so many people will share that they’re also survivors of abuse, and a common thing that I often hear is that so many people are suffering in silence,” is what she said in her statement. Aly Raisman also added that she has met people who haven’t shared things for years, and she was the only one they opened up to.

It was a victim impact statement that the gymnast read at the sentencing hearing that made her make use of her elite position, and it also made her realize that she can help others. She not only provides support publicly but also respects people’s confidentiality and helps them deal with the situation. Apart from adults, Aly Raisman even has her own unique way of helping the children that have faced or are facing similar circumstances.

Not all superheroes wear capes

To provide assistance to the children, the Needham native has written a book, “From My Head to My Toes,” and the aim of the book is to educate the young minds. “I think it’s also healing to know that maybe I can help in some way teach kids what I wish that I had known and some of the maybe signs to look out for,” states the former world champion.

Aly Raisman also takes pride in the person she has become outside of gymnastics, and she wants to be an ideal role model for the people out there. She is also making efforts to talk about sexual abuse so as to avoid silent suffering, and she quotes that there is no such thing as a perfect life and that everyone has their highs and lows in their lives.

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