Simone Biles (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)
È the most awarded gymnast in history, with four Olympic golds and one bronze, and 19 golds and 6 other world champion medals, Simone Biles on Saturday he turned 23. And, like all self-respecting celebrities, her social media profiles were literally showered with good wishes from fans. The athlete, however, did not appreciate them all: on the contrary, he decidedly rejected the sender ones from its own federation, USA Gymnastics. To which the champion he reproaches that he has not yet launched an independent investigation into the sexual abuse of Dr. Larry Nassar, former physician of the national gymnastics team.
Do the right thing
«Happy birthday to the most awarded gymnast of all time! We know that you will continue to amaze us and make history», wrote the federation. Immediate response from champion: «How about you amaze me and do the right thing? Start an independent investigation». A clear reference to the Nassar case, for which Biles has already requested an investigation several times (telling in January that talking about those she suffered gave her more strength): the doctor is in fact serving a life sentence for harassment of the which was found guilty, but the federation limited itself to offering the 517 victims who filed a lawsuit against the organization (claiming they were not protected) a total compensation of 215 million dollars.
I too am a victim of abuse
The champion argues instead that any connivance between the federation and the doctor should be sought, because it is difficult to believe that such continuous and widespread sexual harassment was not aware of someone. And to give strength to his requests, in 2018, at the height of the protests of #MeToo movement, the champion had shared her story on social media, telling that «I too am one of the many sexually abused victims by Larry Nassar. For too long I have wondered: 'Was I naive? It was my fault?'. Now I know the answers to these questions. No. No, it wasn't my fault. No, I won't and shouldn't bear the blame that belongs to Larry Nassar, USAG and others».
The new inquiry request
And in February he had reaffirmed his wish again «of responses from USAG and USOPC (the American Olympic Committee, ed). I wish they both wanted an independent investigation as much as I and the other victims». And now the new thrust to the federation, with yet another request for an investigation.
Article Simone Biles turns 23. And, instead of good wishes, he calls for an investigation into sexual abuse seems to be the first of iO Woman.
