Athlete A

Athlete A is a riveting documentary that delves into the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the world of gymnastics, specifically the USA Gymnastics team, which is one of the most successful teams in the world. The film is named after the anonymous athlete numbered "Athlete A" in the court documents, who was the first to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against team doctor Larry Nassar. The documentary follows the journey of Maggie Nichols, who was one of Nassar's victims, along with her parents, Gina and John Nichols, as they navigate through the aftermath of the scandal.

The documentary begins by highlighting the US gymnastics team's victories and how they became a national obsession. The film emphasizes how many young female athletes dreamed of becoming the next Mary Lou Retton or Simone Biles, and how they were willing to do anything to achieve that dream. This dream, for many, turned into a nightmare when they were sexually assaulted by Nassar, who was revered as a god-like figure in the gymnastics community. The documentary explores how Nassar gained the trust of parents and athletes alike, and how he was able to abuse these young girls for many years without anyone knowing.

Throughout the documentary, Maggie Nichols, whose gymnastics career was cut short due to Nassar's abuse, is portrayed as a brave and determined athlete who refused to be silenced. We see her grapple with the trauma of what happened to her, and how it affected her mentally and physically. Despite the backlash and retaliation she experienced from the gymnastics community for coming forward, she persisted in her quest for justice, which resulted in Nassar's eventual imprisonment. The film highlights the role that Maggie played in bringing Nassar's abuse to light, as well as the courage of the other athletes who came forward.

The documentary also sheds light on the toxic culture of gymnastics, such as the pressure that young athletes are placed under, the lack of diversity in the sport, and the rigid hierarchy of power in the gymnastics community. The film's overall message is one of empowerment, as it urges young girls to speak out against abuse, and to embrace their own self-worth and strength.

One of the most powerful aspects of Athlete A is the way it juxtaposes the story of Maggie Nichols with that of the Michigan State University administration, who were accused of enabling Nassar's abuse by ignoring complaints and covering up evidence. While Maggie struggles to come to terms with her abuse and seeks justice, we see how the higher-ups at Michigan State University prioritize their own reputations over the safety and well-being of the students under their care. This contrast highlights the systemic issues that allowed Nassar's abuse to go on for so long, and underscores the important role that whistleblowers like Maggie played in bringing about change.

Overall, Athlete A is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in the history of gymnastics, and the power of individuals to bring about change. Through the story of Maggie Nichols and her fight for justice, we see how abuse can be perpetuated by a culture of silence and complacency, as well as the potential for healing and recovery when survivors find their voices. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, feminism, and the power of sports.