In a series of videos posted on her Instagram story, USA Gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist McKayla Maroney just came told the internet how she was forced to compete in the vault finals of the 2012 London Olympics with a broken foot, a broken nose, and concussion, all because team doctor--and convicted pedophile--Larry Nassar allegedly lied to the coach and claimed her foot wasn't broken.
Maroney, who decided to tell her story just as the vault finals of the Tokyo Olympics were in full swing, did go on to land what many still dub the greates vault in history, and helped push Team USA to win a gold medal.
But her admission serves as yet another addition to a long list of blemishes on USA Gymnastics' problematic history of placing competitive success over the well-being of its member athletes.
Maroney first called attention to the historic plight of gymnasts with a Tweet calling readers to learn about "how terrible it's set up for athletes."
If you want to hear the behind the scenes of what ACTUALLY goes down during the Olympic Gymnastics event finals (specifically vault finals) please go watch my Instagram story (link in bio) I think a lot of people don\u2019t understand how terrible it\u2019s set up for the athletes.— mckayla (@mckayla) 1627840068
In the Instagram videos, which were eventually reposted on Youtube, Maroney divulged the harrowing details of her injured performance.
Maroney explained that she arrived to London after hitting the back of her head so hard just two weeks prior that her nose was shattered.
Nonetheless, upon arriving to London, Team USA Gymnastics coach Márta Károlyi forced her to practice on the balance beam--an event she was not competing in--despite Maroney's concussion, busted nose, and jet lag.
"And that's when I broke my foot, on the beam, because I was dizzy as hell."
"Like, I felt terrible. I looked at my coach before my beam routine and was like, 'Really? You're going to make me get on this thing right now? I feel like s---!'' "
While practicing, Maroney shattered her sesamoid bone.
But Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting hundreds of children on the USA Gymnastics team--including Maroney--told Károlyi that Maroney was only complaining about an old break that had since healed.
Once people on Twitter heard Maroney's account of all that happened, they were appalled.
thank you for sharing all of this information with us I can\u2019t imagine how difficult it must be to see these same patterns repeated and I hope you know you are loved and supported.— m (@m) 1627845540
McKayla, as an old lady, I just want to take you into my arms & hug you & never let go. What you went through & what you endured should\u2019ve never happened & I\u2019m so so sorry it did. Despite that you\u2019ve persevered & become an amazing young woman & I couldn\u2019t be more proud.— where\u2019s my N95 yet again? (@where\u2019s my N95 yet again?) 1627871224
hanging in our house, we have a giant framed photo of you upside down in the middle of that 2012 vault\n\nat the time, we were in awe of your athleticism + skill\n\nwe still are\n\neven if i\u2019m now in awe of the irresponsibility that forced you to compete despite serious medical risk— Brent Bjornsen MD (@Brent Bjornsen MD) 1627846915
I respect the athletes but everything surrounding it seems so toxic and abusive. It's beautiful to watch, but the reality of the abuses marrs that beautily. I have little girls in my family that want to be gymnasts but I don't want them subjected to that.— Kuragari (@Kuragari) 1627915060
I doubt I will ever watch gymnastics at the Olympics again. These athletes are treated like meat at times and criticized when they don\u2019t get the top medal. If I can\u2019t take it as a spectator, what toll does it take on them?— Kathie Kostura (@Kathie Kostura) 1627847860
Amazing courage but nobody should ever be pressured into a position like that again but as we have seen that won\u2019t happen. People need to mind their business & just appreciate ur dedication and athleticism.— mike brucato (@mike brucato) 1627914128
According to Insider, President and CEO of USA Gymnastics Li Li Leung addressed Maroney's claims directly.
"We recognize how deeply we have broken the trust of our athletes and community, and are working hard to build that trust back. Everything we do now is aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and positive culture for everyone who participates in our sport."
"And while we know that this kind of meaningful and lasting culture change does not happen overnight, we will keep working toward that goal until every member feels supported, included, safe and empowered."
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