World Champion Gymnast Maggie Nichols, Star of ‘Athlete A,’ to Bring Powerful Message of Strength and Resilience to Owensboro

World Champion gymnast Maggie Nichols is coming to Owensboro for an unforgettable and powerful event presented by New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services. The announcement was made this morning at The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce's monthly Rooster Booster Breakfast.

WHO IS 'ATHLETE A'?

In addition to being a world-class gymnast, Maggie is also known as 'Athlete A.'

She was the focus of the riveting 2020 Netflix documentary about the sex abuse scandal that rocked USA Gymnastics. Dr. Larry Nassar, who served as the team doctor for nearly thirty years, was at the center of that investigation. Nichols was one of the initial whistleblowers in the case against him.

Because of Maggie's bravery and the bravery of several gymnasts around her, the story captured "the world's attention." It illuminated "the trauma and cover-up behind the scenes of one of America's most celebrated sports institutions."

It was her involvement in the reporting of Dr. Nassar's abuse that ultimately kept Nichols from making the USA Gymnastics Team at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Her omission from that team was a scandal in itself. Most gymnastics experts and insiders were convinced she was a lock for the team.

Consequently, Maggie left Team USA behind and ultimately rounded out her gymnastics career at the University of Oklahoma, where she was a six-time NCAA Individual National Champion and a two-time National Team Champion.

Maggie's story is one of discipline, bravery, perseverance, and heroism.

By having the courage to report her sexual abuse to a coach, she helped set into a motion a complex investigation that lead to the conviction of Dr. Nassar and a total upheaval of policies, procedures, and staff at USA Gymnastics. When all the dust settled, over 500 victims had come forward to share their own stories of abuse and survival. Maggie Nichols paved the way for many of them.

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MAGGIE NICHOLS IN OWENSBORO

New Beginnings is proud to welcome Maggie Nichols to town on Thursday, October 2nd.

Strength & Resilience: Maggie Nichols' Journey to Justice and Healing will take place in the Jack Wells Center on the campus of Kentucky Wesleyan College. Admission to the event is free thanks to the generous support of local sponsors.

In advance of her community conversation, Nichols will be meeting select elite athletes at Owensboro Gymnastics. It will be an invaluable opportunity for those inspiring gymnasts to meet with and hear from a former World Champion.

Nichols is the author of Unstoppable: My Journey From World Champion to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond.