Gymnast Maggie Nichols would not change a thing about her journey.
“When I didn’t make the Olympic team, I kind of thought my dreams were over,” she told attendees at the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego on June 30. But, ultimately, “it grew me into who I am today,” said Nichols, who went on to become an eight-time NCAA champion as a collegiate gymnast for University of Oklahoma.
The blow of not making the 2016 US Olympic Team came after Nichols reported sexual abuse in USA Gymnastics (USAG) under physiatrist Larry Nassar. As “Athlete A,” Nichols was the first to report Nassar’s abuse to the organization and the first to join the civil suit against him. (Nassar is currently serving the first of three sentences for his crimes.)
“Speaking up and using my voice and reporting the abuse when I did was exactly the right thing to do,” Nichols said. “I hope I helped a lot of people along the way doing that … [and] made it a safer environment for athletes.”
Nichols appeared as a featured speaker at Annual to discuss her recent memoir, Unstoppable! (Roaring Book Press), which provides an enlightening look at the world of elite gymnastics—both positive and negative.
“We put our bodies through the craziest skills,” Nichols said. “To become an elite gymnast, it took hours and hours in the gym … but the sacrifice is totally worth it.”
Nichols has endured injuries, restrictive diets, and exhaustive training sessions to reach the top of her sport. But, she said, elite gymnastics has given her much in return: strength, resilience, and “the community I’ve built and the people I met along the way.”
As far as the current state of USAG, Nichols said she has “seen so many incredible steps in the right direction. A lot of the girls seem happier and healthier.” She added: “I think it’s important to continue to talk about everything that happened.”
These days, Nichols—who no longer spends 30 hours a week in the gym mastering front aerials and double-doubles—appreciates a greater work-life balance. She graduated with a master’s degree in intercollegiate administration in 2022 (she is considering becoming an athletic director), has toured the country as a public speaker, started a foundation to help other abuse survivors, and works as a personal trainer.
“My story included a lot of highs and lows” Nichols said. “I wanted to share my story in hopes that people could be inspired.”
