In 2016, the gymnastics world exploded with allegations of systematic abuse, elaborate coverups and silencing of victims. Though the perpetrators were numerous, some of the most atrocious accusations centered around Larry Nassar, the team doctor for the women's USA Olympic gymnastics team. Larry was the last person anyone would suspect based on his pedigree and personality - not only was he an established medical professional, he was kind, gentle, congenial and frankly a bit of a dweeb. But it was through this carefully-constructed mask and a meticulous grooming process that Larry laid the foundation to target his patients. But to us, this story isn’t about Larry. It’s about the strength and bravery of Rachael Denhollander, a victim of Larry’s abuse who implicated him to the news at the sacrifice of her privacy, dignity and reputation to protect young gymnasts against future abuse. Had it not been for Rachael, it’s unlikely that Larry’s heinous crimes would have ever been brought to light. Rachael’s voice not only resonated with Larry’s other victims, it encouraged them to come forward as one cohesive unit to fight their abuser and the systems of oppression that allowed him to prey on them for so long.
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