A Moment of Devastation
Jordan Chiles, a member of Team USA’s gymnastics squad, has spoken candidly about the overwhelming moment she learned that her close friend and teammate, Simone Biles, had been a victim of sexual abuse by disgraced doctor Larry Nassar. Chiles and Biles both trained at the Karolyi Ranch National Team Training Center in Huntsville, Texas, a place that, rather than being a sanctuary for their rigorous training, became a site of unimaginable trauma for many gymnasts. Although Chiles herself was not among Nassar’s victims, the news that Biles, a figure of immense talent and resilience, had suffered such a horrific experience was a devastating blow.
The Weight of Silence
Reflecting on the discovery, Chiles shared with PEOPLE, "When that whole thing happened, trust me, I was devastated. Still, to this day, I’ve never talked to her about it. I don’t think I ever will talk to her about it because that was her life, and you never know how hard it is on somebody." The weight of this silence is a testament to the deep respect and understanding Chiles has for Biles. It is a silent acknowledgment of the profound impact such an ordeal can have on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, and the need to tread carefully when offering support.
Biles’ Public Struggle
Biles first openly addressed her trauma in 2019, revealing that the sexual abuse had left her grappling with suicidal thoughts. This revelation came as a shock to many, highlighting the long-lasting and often hidden scars left by Nassar’s crimes. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles’ shock withdrawal from several events further emphasized the depth of her struggle. She later hinted that the decision was influenced by the sexual abuse she had endured. During that time, Biles admitted to sleeping excessively, describing it as "the closest thing to death," and shared that she was undergoing therapy to cope with the trauma. Her honesty and vulnerability have been both courageous and deeply moving.
Support Through Presence
Chiles’ approach to supporting Biles has been nuanced and thoughtful. "I think just having my presence was the best thing that I could give to her, rather than sitting down somewhere and having a whole conversation because that’s very devastating," Chiles explained. This form of support, rooted in a silent, reassuring presence, speaks to the nature of their friendship and the trust they share. Chiles recognizes that sometimes, the most powerful form of support is simply being there, a steady and caring presence in the midst of turmoil. If they ever do have a conversation about the abuse, Chiles acknowledges that she might struggle to hold back tears, a human reaction to the gravity of what her friend has endured.
The Fall of Larry Nassar
Larry Nassar, the former national team doctor for both Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, admitted to sexually assaulting hundreds of gymnasts over a 30-year period. His criminal acts were not only confined to the Karolyi Ranch but extended to other venues where he had access to young athletes. In addition to the sexual assaults, Nassar also admitted to possessing child pornography. His crimes came to light through a series of courageous testimonials from his victims, leading to a wave of investigations and legal actions. In 2017, he was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for possessing child sex abuse material. The following year, he received two additional sentences—up to 175 years and up to 125 years, respectively—from two separate Michigan courts for the sexual molestation of female gymnasts under his care.
A New Beginning
The Karolyi Ranch, once a symbol of excellence in gymnastics training, was permanently closed in 2018 following the extensive abuse investigation. USA Gymnastics terminated its agreement with the camp, marking a significant step towards reform and accountability within the organization. Biles and Chiles continued to compete together, representing Team USA at the 2021 and 2024 Olympics. Biles’ public statement in January 2018, where she revealed her victimization, was a powerful moment of breaking silence. She shared, "It took me a long time to write that, probably a couple of days, because every time I would go to write, I would start balling, and I couldn’t get through it." Her words resonated deeply, not only with Chiles but with a global audience, shedding light on the pervasive and insidious nature of Nassar’s crimes and the ongoing fight for justice and healing.
