Simone Biles outperforming USA Gymnastics

By Ann Killion
SFGate
August 22, 2018

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Simone-Biles-outperforming-USA-Gymnastics-13175629.php?t=0f203c0427

Simone Biles reacts after competing on the balance beam during day four of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Boston. Photo by Tim Bradbury

Did you witness that beautiful story of strength and surviving? A tale that came wrapped in one of the tiniest packages in sports?

After Simone Biles’ tour-de-force performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won four gold medals and established herself as the greatest gymnast in the world, she took almost two years off.

Last weekend, the 4-foot-8 powerhouse returned to the spotlight, sweeping all four individual events at nationals.

But in those two years, her entire world was rocked. USA Gymnastics was embroiled in a horrifying sexual-abuse scandal. Earlier this year, Biles, 21, came forward to say that she, too, had been sexually abused by team doctor Larry Nassar.

She was just one of more than 300 alleged victims of Nassar, but because of her status as the “face of gymnastics,” she is by far the highest profile.

Biles shouldered that burden at the nationals last weekend, wearing a teal leotard — a color designated for survivors. She thought that she would be “a nervous wreck and maybe fall apart,” but she was dazzling and dynamic.

Her composure, and that of the other victims, has been far more impressive than the demeanor of the governing body that represents them. For more than two decades, USA Gymnastics dropped the ball and ignored a disgusting climate that contributed to the worst type of abuse imaginable.

Since Rio, the president of USA Gymnastics and the entire board resigned, and the decision was made not to return training to Bela and Marta Karolyi’s infamous “ranch.” That latter decision was made only after Biles said it would “break her heart” to think of returning to the site of abuse.

USA Gymnastics has a new president, Kerry Perry, who finally spoke to the media at length during nationals, a full eight months after being hired. Reviews were decidedly mixed, with her answers vague and ultimately unsatisfying.

So the burden to uplift the sport remains on the athletes.

“It’s not fair to me,” Biles said, with her trademark smile. “I can’t carry the whole gymnastics world on me.

“But it’s exciting I can bring some happiness back to the sport.”

Last weekend, that mission was accomplished.