Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles says she was sexually abused by former Team USA gymnastics sports doctor Larry Nassar.
In an emotional statement, Biles, a star of the Rio Games, said she would not let Nassar “steal my love and joy”.
Nassar was jailed for 60 years for possessing child sex abuse images and has also admitted assaulting gymnasts.
“I know this horrific experience does not define me, I am much more than this,” said Biles, 20.
Three former US Olympians have accused Nassar of sexual abuse under the guise of medical treatment, including Gabby Douglas,who won gold with Biles in the team event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Nassar will be sentenced this month over two cases in which he admits assaulting female gymnasts.
The 54-year-old was jailed in December for three counts relating to child sex abuse images on his computer.
Nassar’s lawyers told BBC Sport they would not comment on Biles’ statement.
USA Gymnastics said in a statement it was “absolutely heartbroken, sorry and angry that Simone Biles or any of our athletes have been harmed by the horrific acts of Larry Nassar”.
Source: BBC
