Gymnast McKayla Maroney Recalls Trying to 'Survive' at Age 15 amid Olympic 2012 Abuse

McKayla Maroney recently recalled her struggle for survival at the age of 15 during the 2012 Olympic games. The gymnastics champion was reportedly abused by her team doctor Larry Nassar.

Retired sports star McKayla Maroney recently took to Instagram, where she shared her experience of opening up about her abuse. Maroney was candid as she wrote about the effect of dealing with the issue.

Maroney's post came amid the ongoing conservatorship struggles of music star Britney Spears. Maroney showed her solidarity with the singer and her courage to speak up.

MARONEY'S RECOLLECTION

The former Olympic gymnast posted a few photos of her radiant self accompanied by a message of positivity. Maroney looked lovely in an all-white outfit, while her cropped top had a picture of Britney on it.

The Olympic gold medalist wrote of her experience, noting that speaking up was not always easy. She mentioned that it could get "extremely exhausting" in all spheres.

Maroney shared that she was a "naturally positive, bubbly person," and because of her nature, dealing with the abuser cast a shadow of negativity. The public figure noted that it felt wrong, as she dealt with it all.

The 25-year-old mentioned how much she hated the depressive turn her life took and how the media did not help matters. The star added that she never wanted to be seen as a victim.

Writing about Britney's legal woes, she noted how much she identified with what the singer was going through. Maroney wrote about her experience in the light of Briteny's issues:

"Britney’s story resonates with me so much, because just like Britney, I also had to “fake it till you make it” to survive my 2012 Olympics..."

Maroney explained that she was very proud of the "Gimme More" singer for speaking up. She added that Britney deserved to spend the rest of her life "healing in peace" or doing what she wishes.

These days, [Maroney] is retired and mostly lives her best life, dwelling on good times and life improvements.

INSIDE MARONEY'S ABUSE CASE

During the 2012 Olympic Games, a teenage Maroney had brought victory to her home country alongside her teammates, but she struggled within while they all celebrated the wins.

In 2017, she publicly accused Larry Nassar, the former US gymnastics Olympic team doctor, of abusing her. Maroney was among five other women who initially opened up about facing Nassar's misconduct.

Maroney, her close pal, Kyla Ross, and others spoke up. A total of two hundred and sixty-five women also came forward, opening up about facing abuse at the hands of Nassar.

Maroney's victim-impact statement started with her dreams of being a gymnast and playing for her country's national team. However, that dream was dented by the team doctor she was told she could trust.

She noted that Nassar told her she received "medically necessary treatments that he had been performing on patients for over 30 years." Maroney pointed out that to her dismay, he turned out to be a menace.

In her statement, Maroney described the now-convicted doctor as a "child molester, and a monster." She recalled how the abuse started when she was "13 or 14 years old" at her first National Team training camps.

The former gymnast said she was often "treated" by Nassar, and the abuse did not stop until she left the sport. The star also recalled it happening when she won her gold and silver medals.

Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual abuse. The former medical practitioner is serving his jail term and faces 25 to 50 years in jail for each of the counts.

MARONEY'S SPORTS DREAMS

Maroney, who grew up in Aliso Viejo alongside her fellow star Kyla Ross, grew up loving gymnastics. She once recalled how her mom watched her imitate Tarzan's moves and knew she needed to channel the energy towards gymnastics.

After her mom planted the sporty seeds, Maroney followed up with commitment. This included keeping her mind clear about being at the Olympics and falling in love with the gym.

Her mom has shared that Maroney was at her happiest at the gym. The star noted that she just "loved doing what most people could not do with their body." She also loved the feeling of working hard.

These days, the star is retired and mostly lives her best life, dwelling on good times and life improvements. Maroney keeps up a positive outlook on her social media platforms.

She also keeps things real concerning her struggles, whether it was health or societal issues. Maroney's love for optimism makes her keep her health a top priority.

BRITNEY'S CONSERVATORSHIP WOES

Last month, Britney opened up on the 13 years of the conservatorship arrangement that ruled her life for a long time. The star declared to the Los Angeles judge that she wanted her life back.

Britney's father, Jamie Spears, has been in charge of the conservatorship arrangement since it started. According to Britney, the arrangement does not permit her to have more children or get married.

The "Oops! I Did It Again" crooner added that an IUD was placed in her as a contraceptive. In essence, the award-winning singer relayed that she wished to have another child, in addition to her first two, and be in charge of her life.