Athlete A on Netflix

[Gingerlife]

Just watched this documentary and it was a real eye opener about the USA, Olympic gymnastics team.
The abuse they suffered and the subsequent cover up was absolutely appalling.
Has anybody else watched it yet?

[Dayle]

I have watched it. absolutely awful both the abuse and way the athletes were treated when they finally found the courage to speak up. Makes you think back to all the times you have watched these world class athletes perform and what they may of be going through.

[BevS97]

We watched it a while back. It’s quite sad, and I expect there are a number of coaches who think this is the only way to produce winners (not the sex abuse but the general bullying and harsh atmosphere).

[Gingerlife]

Originally Posted by BevS97

We watched it a while back. It’s quite sad, and I expect there are a number of coaches who think this is the only way to produce winners (not the sex abuse but the general bullying and harsh atmosphere).

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It certainly makes you wonder what these poor girls were going through when we were watching them perform in the London Olympics.
How anybody could think it was acceptable to treat a child like that is beyond me.

[Gingerlife]

Originally Posted by Dayle

I have watched it. absolutely awful both the abuse and way the athletes were treated when they finally found the courage to speak up. Makes you think back to all the times you have watched these world class athletes perform and what they may of be going through.

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Absolutely, we watched them in the London Olympics with no idea the abuse and torment they were going through.
I admire them for coming forward and speaking out. If only the coaches had supported them and dealt with it straight away, more girls could have been saved from the abuse.

[JudgeJ26]

Both my daughter's started gymnastics at a very early age. I did move them from their first major club due to mental and some physical abuse. Hearing about my youngest daughter being dragged off the beam sobbing her heart out was the final straw. I went in the gym to confront the coach and all she said was "Are you accusing me of child abuse?".
Both girls adored gymnastics so I sent them to a another club where they both blossomed.
I know that one of the clubs they used to compete against used to weigh their gymnasts before every session. My mother used to say they all looked like little clones - tiny and skinny.
I couldn't bear to watch the programme.

[Gingerlife]

Originally Posted by JudgeJ26

Both my daughter's started gymnastics at a very early age. I did move them from their first major club due to mental and some physical abuse. Hearing about my youngest daughter being dragged off the beam sobbing her heart out was the final straw. I went in the gym to confront the coach and all she said was "Are you accusing me of child abuse?".
Both girls adored gymnastics so I sent them to a another club where they both blossomed.
I know that one of the clubs they used to compete against used to weigh their gymnasts before every session. My mother used to say they all looked like little clones - tiny and skinny.
I couldn't bear to watch the programme.

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I had a very similar experience growing up when I was dancing, one school I went to almost put me off for life with the slapping of legs for poor turn out and comments on weight. Thankfully I had parents like you, they moved me to a different school and the way I was taught there was brilliant. No pressure just good teaching.

[levtweeney]

I watched this and was utterly gobsmacked at what happened for many, many years. That team doctor was a monster. Now investigations are happening in the UK over similar incidents of bullying and abuse.

What the heck is wrong with people? Thank the lord those girls were brave enough to fight back.