In the fall of 2020, we launched a virtual event series for the Netflix documentary Athlete A, which follows the intrepid reporters, brave gymnasts, and legal team that put Larry Nassar behind bars and exposed decades of abuse at USA Gymnastics. Through three panels featuring athletes, experts, academics, lawyers and advocates, we explored different facets of the global movement to end athlete abuse. 584 people attended the events, and 67% of those surveyed reported that they intend to start a dialogue about the film with their friends and family.

You can watch all three events here, and read more about them below! 

Event 1: How To Change Coaching Culture

Elite gymnast Maggie Nichols, Olympic Gold Medalist and current coach Dominique Dawes, and Athlete A co-directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk spoke with Athlete A producer and former elite gymnast Jennifer Sey about the challenges and complexity of what it takes to create lasting change in an abusive coaching culture.

Event 2: How To Be Your Child’s Best Advocate

Gina and John Nichols (parents of elite gymnast Maggie Nichols), professor of Athlete Maltreatment Gretchen Kerr, Positive Coaching Alliance’s Marti Reed, and Athlete A co-directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk spoke with Athlete A producer and former elite gymnast Jennifer Sey about empowering parents to be the best champion for their child athlete.

Event 3: Sports Abuse And Navigating Legal Action

The National Children’s Alliance’s Teresa Huizar, Athlete A film subjects & lawyers Rachael Denhollander and John C. Manly, U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Ju’Riese Colón, and Athlete A co-directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk spoke with Athlete A producer and former elite gymnast Jennifer Sey about the complex nature of coming forward with abuse in sport, reporting claims, and navigating legal action.

By Lillie Fleshler, Impact Distribution Manager – She loves collaborating with inspiring grassroots organizations and activists through PicMo’s screening tours.