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Olympic Gymnasts Kyla Ross & Madison Kocian Reveal They Were Also Abused By Larry Nassar

Olympic Gymnasts Kyla Ross & Madison Kocian Reveal They Were Also Abused By Larry Nassar

There is no timetable, or any kind of “too late”, when it comes to being abused – and gymnasts Kyla Ross and Madison Kocian are learning that.

The gymnasts – both members of the UCLA Gymnastics team, Final Five and Fierce Five Olympic teams – have come forward with their own stories of being abused by former team physician Larry Nassar.

While it took months for them to process what happened to them, Kyla and Madison are sending a message to victims of sexual abuse everywhere that it’s never too late to speak up.

“Everyone copes in their own way,” Kyla shared with AP. “It doesn’t matter how old you are and what happens to you. I’ve come to the point in my life this is something I want to share my story and move on.”

Madison added that the culture around the elite program was partly to blame.

“You live under a fear of not being able to speak up because this was our only avenue to accomplish our dreams and make the Olympic team,” she said.

All five members of the 2012 Olympic team — Kyla, Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney — have revealed they were abused by Nassar. Madison is the fourth member of the 2016 Olympic team to come forward, joining Aly, Gabby, and Simone Biles.

The Fierce Five Support McKayla Maroney in Light of Assault Allegations

The Fierce Five Support McKayla Maroney in Light of Assault Allegations

The Fierce Five in the 2012 summer Olympics was made up of Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber.

Now, after McKayla has bravely come forward with allegations of repeated sexual assault against her U.S. team doctor, Dr. Larry Nassar, her former teammates are speaking out with messages of support.

“The scariest night of my life happened when I was 15 years old,” McKayla remembered in her letter. “I had flown all day and night with the team to get to Tokyo. [Dr. Nassar had] given me a sleeping pill for the flight, and the next thing I know, I was all alone with him in his hotel room getting a ‘treatment.’ I thought I was going to die that night.”

Aly was quick to support her friend.

“100% support you,” she tweeted. “SO proud of you and your strength. Love you like a sister!!” She also tweeted a picture of the two of them in a message of support.

“Heartbreaking that things like this can happen in this world,” Kyla agreed. “My heart goes out to you mac & all those affected by such tragic events.”

“So sad and heartbreaking that this happened to you Mack,” Jordyn echoed. “I’m here for you and I support you.”

In terrible cases like these, supporting the women who come forward is so important. We’re glad her teammates are speaking out.

McKayla Maroney & Kyla Ross Announce Retirement From Elite Gymnastics

McKayla Maroney & Kyla Ross Announce Retirement From Elite Gymnastics

McKayla Maroney is getting off the elite gymnast circuit, and so is Kyla Ross.

Both members of the Fierce Five from the 2012 London Summer Olympics, McKayla, 20, and Kyla, 19, announced their retirements just a day apart.

Kyla wrote on Instagram: “Today I am officially announcing my retirement from elite gymnastics. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my life but I feel that my time as an elite gymnast has come to an end. I truly love the sport of gymnastics and I am so fortunate to have been able to accomplish my dreams with the help of my coaches, family, friends, and of course my amazing fans. Having the opportunity to represent the U.S. through gymnastics has been a great honor and experience I will cherish. I would like to thank everyone for all the amazing support I have received over my entire elite career. As I make this transition to collegiate gymnastics and this next chapter in my life, I hope to still inspire people to reach for their dreams!”

McKayla announced her retirement in a new interview: “The reason why I wanted to go to this next Olympics � I finally figured it out. I wanted to show people that when everyone else is up against them, they can get through the struggle and the pain and do it because they love something. One day I was sitting outside and I was like ‘Why am I doing this? Yeah it’s cool that I want to do it and help inspire people but I didn’t know how to be okay with not being a gymnast. I go to a Starbucks or Jamba Juice or anything and they’re like ‘Are you going to the next one?’ Until the other day, I was not OK with saying no and I had no choice in my mind with being something else. I’m just ready to put my worth and value into something else. I’m just ready to be excited about something else. I just got so bored with being unhealthy.”

2016 Rio Summer Olympics hopeful and fellow gymnast Simone Biles shared a sweet message after Kyla‘s announcement.

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Fierce Five Olympian Kyla Ross & Simone Biles Dominate Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in China

Fierce Five Olympian Kyla Ross & Simone Biles Dominate Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in China

Gymnasts Kyla Ross and Simone Biles show off their shiny medals after the Women’s All Around Final during day four of the 45th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships held at Guangxi Sports Center Stadium on Friday (October 10) in Nanning, China.

Just a few days afterwards, Simone, 17, also captured the gold for the Women’s Floor Exercise Final and silver for the balance beam. Teammate Mykayla Skinner also captured the bronze for the balance beam.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kyla Ross

“well china its been real. such an honor! & had a great time here!! but its time to head home!! can’t wait !! Its been way too long,” Simone tweeted after the event wrapped up.

Kyla added, “It’s been an amazing trip here in Nanning! Bittersweet to be leaving but so excited to be coming home!”

15+ pics inside of Kyla, Simone and Mykayla

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McKayla Maroney Grabs Gold on Vault; Kyla Ross Second in All-Around in Antwerp

McKayla Maroney Grabs Gold on Vault; Kyla Ross Second in All-Around in Antwerp

Kyla Ross shows off her silver medal at the 2013 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Belgium held at the Antwerp Sports Palace on Saturday afternoon (October 4) in Antwerp, Belgium.

During the week-long competition, the 16-year-old Olympian picked up two silver medals — one for Uneven Bars and another for the Womens All-Round Final.

Kyla‘s teammate McKayla Maroney grabbed the gold medal for the Vault Final on Saturday (October 5).

“To be completely honest, it was kind of scary,” McKayla shared afterwards. “There definitely was some pressure on me. Looking back isn’t going to help you. Moving forward is the thing you have to do.”

Simone Biles, 16, grabbed the gold for the Womens All-Round Final.

Watch McKayla‘s Vault below! 30+ pics inside…


Maroney remains Vault Champ

More Here! »

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Gabby Douglas & McKayla Maroney: ESPY Awards 2013 With Fierce Five!

Gabby Douglas & McKayla Maroney: ESPY Awards 2013 With Fierce Five!

Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney hit the red carpet at the 2013 ESPY Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Wednesday (July 17) in Los Angeles.

The Olympic gymnasts were joined by their fellow “Fierce 5″ gold medalists Kyla Ross and Jordyn Wieber (minus Aly Raisman), all of whom are nominated for Best Team.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Gabrielle Douglas

“Don’t forget to get your last minute votes in for the Fierce Five for Best Team! We appreciate it so much!” Jordyn tweeted.

The month before, Gabby waved hello to photographers and fans while on the red carpet at the 2013 BET Awards.

FYI: McKayla wore a Saunder dress with Jamie Wolf earrings, rings by Melinda Maria and Graziela Gems, and Aldo shoes. Gabby wore a Izmaylova dress with a Swarovski clutch.

10+ pics inside… More Here! »

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Gabby Douglas & Kyla Ross: Front Row at 'Dancing with the Stars'

Gabby Douglas & Kyla Ross: Front Row at 'Dancing with the Stars'

Gabby Douglas and Kyla Ross sit front row during Monday night’s (April 8) Dancing With The Stars taping in Los Angeles.

The two Olympians and Fierce Five members were there to support Aly Raisman, who is competing on the show with partner Mark Ballas.

“So glad I got to come support @Aly_Raisman and @MarkBallas on DWTS! Tune in tonight to see their amazing performance!” Kyla tweeted.

Gabby added, “Congrats Aly and Mark you guys did fabulous!!!”

Aly told Glamour after the show, “We don’t get to see each other all that much, so it’s really special when they are here, and they couldn’t have picked a better night to come. Without them, I wouldn’t be in this competition.”

Bigger pic inside… More Here! »