I've always been drawn to sports like gymnastics, ice skating, and cheerleading. A few years back, the world of gymnastics was shaken by a sexual abuse scandal involving USA Gymnastics. The Netflix documentary _Athlete A_ examines that situation, following the victims and journalists as they worked to bring it to light. While primarily focused on the abuse perpetrated by team doctor Larry Nassar, the film also sheds light on the generally unhealthy atmosphere within USA Gymnastics and the demanding training regimens gymnasts face around the globe. It's a very direct portrayal of what happened, and seeing some of the training videos that Nassar created – knowing now what we know – is unsettling. It’s deeply disturbing to think he did this to so many young women over his career. I appreciated how the filmmakers treated the victims with consideration, allowing them the opportunity to share their experiences. A particularly impactful moment came near the end when the abused women were able to deliver their victim statements in court directly to Larry Nassar. They all voiced their anger toward him and the organizations that allowed his behavior, and it’s incredibly powerful to witness. As I mentioned earlier, the film also explores the physical and emotional abuse athletes endured. The constant threat of being removed from the team or missing out on Nationals or the Olympics loomed over them. The documentary effectively illustrates how Nassar exploited this pressure to manipulate victims, and how those in leadership positions used it to silence concerns. It’s truly shocking, bringing to mind parallels with situations involving the Catholic Church and Jehovah's Witnesses. One strange thing I noticed was that I recognized a lot of what appeared in the archival footage. For instance, when Kerri Strug won gold on one leg during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Nassar appears in those old recordings as well. The documentary provides an extensive look into this world, and while it can be difficult to watch at times, there are moments that are very moving and ultimately, quite powerful. If you're interested in professional sports, this is definitely worth checking out.

Source on TMDB