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Absolutely horrifying. Since the original story breaking from the Indianapolis Star in 2018, the scandal with USA Gymnastics and from “doctor” has been prevalent in the minds of the American public. “The Girl” by Abigail Pesta is a gut-wrenching detailed account of the women and their stories that tore the predatory doctor off this pedestal. I am unsure if there was a single page that I didn’t want to cry. I saw this book through several different lenses: a coach, an athlete and a journalism student.
The one that probably bothered me the most was through the eyes of a coach. During this book, I feared for my athletes at all times. It repulsed me to think that someone could hurt my athletes. Through my coaching eyes, I couldn’t understand why someone could destroy these children so brutally in the pursuit of “greatness.” These grown adults (mostly men) destroyed these young girls’ self-esteem so much that they didn’t know any of the abuse was wrong, that they didn’t have autonomy over their own bodies. Questions rose “How could I protect my athletes,” “How do I properly educate them,” “Is my coaching too strict,” “How could I make sure that my athletes trusted me enough that if someone was hurting them they know I would help them?” I push my kids hard; I always have because I try to emulate the coaches that I respect the most. I never want someone to say that I hurt or humiliated my athletes. I know there is a difference between strict and abusive coaching. I know that distinction and can’t understand why others don’t or just don’t care.
Looking at this book as an athlete, I came into the book with a certain view and left with a different one. Prior to reading the book, when hearing the horror stories, I would tell myself the same things. I would have told my parents. They did. I would have told my coaches. They did that too. I would have screamed every time he put his hands on me. They did that as well! So, as an athlete I felt like I could’ve protected myself better, but I most likely wouldn’t have. Everything in these girls’ lives that was put in place to protect them had ultimately failed them more. I am fortunate that I never had to deal with this kind of trauma, so I can never and should have never say what I would have done in that scenario.
It is an amazingly written book. Pesta being able to tell these women’s graphic stories is truly impressive. I’m unsure if I will ever be able to write something like this book. This would be a definite read for anyone in the athletic world! Let me know if you have read it and what were your thoughts!
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