IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

McKayla Maroney's Olympic teammates share support following assault allegations

The support comes after the gold medal gymnast shared that she was molested by a USA Gymnastics team doctor.
/ Source: TODAY

Some of McKayla Maroney's Olympic teammates are voicing support for the gold medalist after she announced that she had been sexually molested for years by a USA Gymnastics team doctor.

Maroney, a member of the “Fierce Five” American women’s team that competed in the 2012 Olympics in London, raised the allegation in a lengthy Twitter statement. Maroney took to social media as part of the #MeToo campaign that emerged in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

"I had a dream to go to the Olympics," she wrote, "and the things that I had to endure to get there, were unnecessary, and disgusting."

Maroney's former teammates also took to social media to lend their support.

“So sad and heartbreaking that this happened to you Mack. I'm here for you and I support you,” wrote Jordyn Wieber.

"My heart goes out to you mac & all those affected by such tragic events," tweeted Kyla Ross.

Aly Raisman, who served as team captain of the women’s team in 2012 and 2016, told Maroney: “100% support you. So proud of you and your strength.” She also posted an affectionate photo of the two.

Raisman has been a vocal critic of the way both USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic Committee have responded to past allegations of sexual abuse by athletes.

Maroney, in a statement posted early Wednesday, said she was first molested in her early teens by Dr. Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor accused of sexually assaulting more than 100 patients. She said the molestation continued for the rest of her competitive career.

Nassar is now in a Michigan jail, awaiting trials on state charges alleging he molested former patients and a family friend.

Maroney called for change and urged other victims to speak out.

“Our silence has given the wrong people power for too long, and it’s time to take our power back,” she wrote.