Over twenty years ago, Joan Ryan's book, "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes," brought to light the prevalence of abuse in women's gymnastics and figure skating. Ryan's book proved prescient as USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympics Committee continue to grapple with the sexual abuse scandal that led to the conviction of USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar for multiple counts of sexual abuse and child pornography. Joan Ryan joins Forum with gymnast Jamie Dantzcher, the first Olympian to file a lawsuit and speak out against Dr. Nassar, to discuss the reissue of Ryan's book, abuse within competitive sports and what can be done to empower young athletes and ensure their safety.
U.S. Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Scandal Sparks Reissue of 'Little Girls in Pretty Boxes'
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U.S. gymnast Alexandra Raisman competes in the beam event of the women's individual all-around final of the Artistic Gymnastics at the Olympic Arena during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016. (Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests:
Jamie Dantzscher, member, bronze-medal-winning 2000 U.S. Gymnastics Team
Joan Ryan, author, "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters"; former sports columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner
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