11 - Massachusetts, Alexandra Rose Raisman (Aly)
Aly Raisman stood with her peers against a legacy and an entire organization that turned a blind eye to the issues young gymnasts faced.
Massachusetts is the eighth state to ratify the amendment on June 25, 1919.
Ms. Raisman was a star gymnast from an early age, competing nationally in world competitions from the age of 12. As captain of the “Fierce Five” at the 2012 Olympics, they victoriously took back Olympic gold for the all team event, the first time since 1996. She returned with a total of 3 medals. The Rio 2016 Olympics brought the “Final Five”, as the final five person team coached by Marta Karolyi, with her winning three medals - gold for the team competition, and silver for both the floor and individual all-around, second in both only to her teammate Simone Biles.
Ms. Raisman led the team as captain, and, because of her age of 22, jokingly referred to as “Grandma”. Her maturity and support given to the team brought them together as the American dream. Her strength and development was proven warranted by winning so many medals within the two consecutive Olympics.
In 2017, Ms. Raisman took the most protective stance she could for her team and her colleagues. Her autobiography to be released on November 14, 2017 revealed the truth that she and many gymnasts before her had been molested by the trusted team doctor, Larry Nassar. For years athletes had pointed to the treatments with skepticism of the appropriateness of the methods, anguished by the secret feelings spreading through them. She learned later in life that her apprehensions were correct, and she stood as the voice for all the young women affected by Larry Nassar. She stood strongly without accepting the passive statements meant to calm the girls into acceptance.
Her testimony, though not the only one provided, sent Dr. Nassar to his sentence with every ounce of pain they could muster to him. She was willing to crush the idealistic vision of Women’s Gymnastics to expose the atrocities behind the closed doors. Her voice in the #MeToo rang true to many.
Why this woman?
I was recently reminded of the moment Aly and Simone won their medals in 2016. Their camaraderie and partnership brought solid tears to my eyes. I loved how they performed for me with heart and soul, never hesitating in spite of what they were exposed to in their training.
The situation with gymnastics, led by Aly’s voice, crushed my heart. To hear of this happening while I spent my life cheering for all the gymnasts’ strength and power. To know they hurt and struggled for the sport they loved, knowing the public wanted to see them shine for us. Young girls. Children.
I am separated from the #MeToo movement having limited experiences many women finally exposed. The strength of Aly to say I will stand up! I will shed light on the hidden stories. I will save future generations to stop this. She bared it for seven years.
For her team.
For us.
For me.
She spoke.
Massachusetts is the eighth state to ratify the amendment on June 25, 1919.
Ms. Raisman was a star gymnast from an early age, competing nationally in world competitions from the age of 12. As captain of the “Fierce Five” at the 2012 Olympics, they victoriously took back Olympic gold for the all team event, the first time since 1996. She returned with a total of 3 medals. The Rio 2016 Olympics brought the “Final Five”, as the final five person team coached by Marta Karolyi, with her winning three medals - gold for the team competition, and silver for both the floor and individual all-around, second in both only to her teammate Simone Biles.
Ms. Raisman led the team as captain, and, because of her age of 22, jokingly referred to as “Grandma”. Her maturity and support given to the team brought them together as the American dream. Her strength and development was proven warranted by winning so many medals within the two consecutive Olympics.
In 2017, Ms. Raisman took the most protective stance she could for her team and her colleagues. Her autobiography to be released on November 14, 2017 revealed the truth that she and many gymnasts before her had been molested by the trusted team doctor, Larry Nassar. For years athletes had pointed to the treatments with skepticism of the appropriateness of the methods, anguished by the secret feelings spreading through them. She learned later in life that her apprehensions were correct, and she stood as the voice for all the young women affected by Larry Nassar. She stood strongly without accepting the passive statements meant to calm the girls into acceptance.
Her testimony, though not the only one provided, sent Dr. Nassar to his sentence with every ounce of pain they could muster to him. She was willing to crush the idealistic vision of Women’s Gymnastics to expose the atrocities behind the closed doors. Her voice in the #MeToo rang true to many.
Why this woman?
I was recently reminded of the moment Aly and Simone won their medals in 2016. Their camaraderie and partnership brought solid tears to my eyes. I loved how they performed for me with heart and soul, never hesitating in spite of what they were exposed to in their training.
The situation with gymnastics, led by Aly’s voice, crushed my heart. To hear of this happening while I spent my life cheering for all the gymnasts’ strength and power. To know they hurt and struggled for the sport they loved, knowing the public wanted to see them shine for us. Young girls. Children.
I am separated from the #MeToo movement having limited experiences many women finally exposed. The strength of Aly to say I will stand up! I will shed light on the hidden stories. I will save future generations to stop this. She bared it for seven years.
For her team.
For us.
For me.
She spoke.
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