Photo: Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty
McKayla Maroneyis opening up about the unseen challenges she’s faced as an elite gymnast.
While taking part in a Twitter Q&A with fans on Tuesday, the 25-year-old Olympic gymnast opened up about the “costs” — both physical and mental — of her past gymnastics career.
Initially sharing atweetin which she revealed that she is writing a book, Maroney said, “I’ve been responding to more gymnastics questions if anyone needs any advice. I’m working on a book right now, and I’m extremely excited to share my story, and all the things I learned from being an elite gymnast.”
“It felt too hard to write about before, but I’m ready now,” she added.
Responding to an array of queries on the social media website, Maroney answered one question from a fan, who asked her if she had any regrets about her time in the sport.
“There are so many should have, could have, would haves. you are an amazing anomaly being an Olympic gymnast — looking back as a younger gymnast, would you have preferred to not ‘push through the pain’?” the fanasked, also noting that she is a parent of a gymnast.
“I don’t regret it because I can now be a voice to help girls like your daughter, but I also was extremely lucky to make the Olympic team,” Maroneyresponded. “I think letting her know all the possible costs, and asking her if she thinks it’s still worth it is a really good idea.”
“I was never informed about the costs, and wish I would’ve known some of them. For example that it would take me 5 full years to mentally and physically heal from the intensity of what I went through,” Maroneycontinued.
In a follow-up tweet, the gymnast also reiterated that she understood the challenges — including injuries — of pursuing the sport at the elite level, however, “I was not going to stop until I went to an Olympics. Nobody’s doubt was going to stop me after all the hard work I put in. It was my dream, and it felt like my purpose … but if it feels forced, and she doesn’t want it, and her bodies done. Take a break.”
“There’s nothing wrong with taking space from the sport. People make comebacks. Healing an injury is extremely important for long term happiness and health,” sheaddedto a final tweet in the thread. “I gave up my 2016 Olympic dream cuz it would’ve killed me. That wasn’t worth it to me. I was 18, and just over the abuse.”
RELATED VIDEO: McKayla Maroney Alleges USA Gymnastics Tried to Silence Her Abuse Story
In her first television interview about the allegations in April 2018, the gold-medal-winning Olympian toldNBC Newsthat Nassar’s abuse was constant andthat it began almost immediatelyafter going to the former gymnastics doctor nearly a decade ago.
Maroney’s friend and fellow gymnast,Aly Raisman— who has also detailed surviving abuse at the hands of Nassar — commended her social media post on Tuesday.
“I totally agree with this. Still struggling so much to recover. I’m so glad I have @McKaylaMaroney to talk to because she validates me & supports me,” shetweeted. “It’s hard not be worry when it takes years & years to recover. It’s crazy how much the years of training has impacted both of us.”
source: people.com
