Survivors of US gymnastics doctor’s abuse receive courage award
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More than 100 survivors who went public with emotional stories of abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar appeared on stage together to accept an award at the annual US sports awards, the ESPYs.
Members of the group held hands, exchanged hugs and smiled proudly as they filled the stage to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
Nassar pleaded guilty in November 2017 to molesting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment in incidents dating back to the 1990s and was sentenced to life in prison.
Nassar's first known victim gymnast Sarah Klein said they showed "a portrait of survival".
"Make no mistake. We are here on this stage to present an image for the world to see — a portrait of survival, a new vision of courage," she said.
Klein said in her acceptance speech that the sporting associations where Nassar worked put more importance in money and medals than the safety of the child athletes.
Klein, softball player Tiffany Thomas Lopez and three-time Olympic gold medallist Aly Raisman stood in front of the group of 141 survivors and spoke on behalf of the group to receive the award, an annual honour named after the late US tennis star and presented to people who make an impact beyond the playing field.
Raisman recounted the years that girls and women complained about Nassar while he served as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics and at Michigan State University.
"We persisted and finally someone listened and believed us," she said.
Authorities said Nassar victimised more than 260 women and girls, including several Olympic gold medallists.
Nearly 200 survivors gave often emotional testimonies during sentencing hearings in Michigan earlier this year.
Reuters
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