Ever since the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal, the details of which first came to light in 2015 and culminated in his 60-year prison sentence two years later, USA Gymnastics has struggled to demonstrate it can be trusted to take care of its athletes.
People wondered, if the national organization could have allowed Nassar—the team doctor—to sexually abuse at least 265 young women and girls over the course of nearly 25 years, how could the institution regain trust.
And a recent 60 Minutes interview with Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast ever, only further confirmed the national organization's problems.
Biles, who's won 30 medals between Olympic and World Championship events, explained the overwhelming pressure put on her and her teammates during USA Gymnastics-run training camps.
"Granted, now, I feel like we can't really get in trouble for this. But, like, there would have been nights where we would like break into the cafeteria and go get food."
"I've never told that to anybody like on film or anything. But there would be nights where we're, like, running with our hoodie up, and we would break into the cafeteria to eat."
People that heard Biles' revelation were appalled at yet another travesty imposed on literal children.
Others called out something about USA Gymnastics claims regarding Nassar that just didn't add up.
60 Minutes' Sharon Alfonsi went on to ask Biles for her more general thoughts of USA Olympics as an organization. Of course, the Nassar scandal came up.
For Biles, the betrayal of trust has been impossible to forget. When Alfonsi asked if Biles, who is now 23, would ever let her daughter join the USA team, Biles was clear:
"No because I don't feel comfortable enough, because they haven't taken accountability for their actions and what they've done.
"And they haven't ensured us that it's never going to happen again."
The story of USA Gymnastics' complicity is, according to Biles, far from finished.
"Just who knew what, when? You guys have failed so many athletes. And most of us underage. You guys don't think that's a bigger problem?"
People echoed both Biles' assessment and her anger.
When CBS, the network behind 60 Minutes, reached out to USA Gymnastics for comment, President and Chief Executive Li Li Leung attempted to begin the process of regaining trust.
"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."
Only time will tell if USA Gymnastics can make good on their promise.
@kileywrestling/Bluesky
