Larry Nassar | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 11, 2025

Who is Larry Nassar?

Larry Nassar is a former physician and athletic trainer who infamously served at USA Gymnastics before his conviction for sexual assault and possession of child pornography in 2017. Over the course of his career, spanning decades, Nassar abused his position of trust by exploiting the young athletes whom he treated under the guise of medical care. His sanctioned practices included what he falsely labeled "intravaginal adjustment," which became a tool for his heinous acts rather than legitimate medical treatment. It wasn't until several survivors, including Olympic gymnasts, bravely came forward with their stories that the extent of his abuse was revealed, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

In January 2018, following extensive testimony from more than 150 survivors in court, Nassar was sentenced to a lengthy prison term, with a total effective life sentence. The scandal surrounding him became a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement, highlighting the pervasive issue of sexual abuse in sports and the culture of silence surrounding it. As of today, Nassar is serving his sentence in a federal prison in Florida, where he continues to face significant consequences for his crimes, including physical violence from other inmates. His case has left a lasting mark on the world of gymnastics and has underscored the urgent need for reforms in how allegations of abuse are handled in sports organizations.

Early Life and Education

Larry Nassar, born on August 16, 1963, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, developed an interest in athletics at a young age. He attended North Farmington High School, where his engagement with the school's gymnastics team began in 1978. Nassar’s commitment to physical fitness and understanding of human anatomy propelled him into a career in sports medicine. Upon graduating high school in 1981, he pursued a degree in kinesiology at the prestigious University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1985. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in athletic training.

Nassar's pursuit of medicine led him to enroll at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988. There, he faced challenges, including two unsuccessful attempts at mastering biochemistry. After negotiating to switch to a five-year program, he ultimately graduated in 1993. During his time in medical school, he also worked with student athletes, solidifying his role in the field of sports medicine. His education and early career experiences would later connect him with numerous young gymnasts striving for success, marking the beginning of a troubling chapter in the world of competitive gymnastics.

Career at USA Gymnastics and Elsewhere

Larry Nassar's career at USA Gymnastics spanned several decades, during which he rose to prominence as an athletic trainer and eventually became the national medical coordinator in 1996. His expertise was showcased during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when he attended to gymnast Kerri Strug after her memorable vault despite an ankle injury. Nassar’s initial connection to the sport began in high school, and by the time he joined USA Gymnastics, he had already established himself as a trusted figure among gymnasts, often providing medical treatment to athletes with the intent of addressing their physical ailments.

Throughout his tenure, Nassar cultivated a reputation for kindness and attentiveness, taking the time to connect personally with the gymnasts under his care. He often provided snacks to those he felt were undernourished and would listen to their concerns, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust among the young athletes. However, this trust would later become a significant factor in the abuse cases against him. After leaving USA Gymnastics in 2015, Nassar continued to work as a doctor at Twistars Gymnastics Club and Michigan State University, where he further exploited his access to vulnerable athletes. Tragically, his status and perceived credibility allowed him to evade accountability for years, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that affected numerous victims.

Getting Away with Sexual Assault

Larry Nassar's ability to evade accountability for decades is a disturbing testament to the power dynamics within the gymnastics community. Operating under the guise of a medical professional, Nassar exploited vulnerable young athletes who came to him seeking treatment for injuries. He falsely assured them that procedures, such as what he termed "intravaginal adjustments," were legitimate medical practices. With his manipulation of trust, many victims accepted his invasive actions as standard care, which compounded their trauma. The culture within organizations like USA Gymnastics also prioritized the reputation of the institution over the safety of the gymnasts, creating an environment where complaints were often dismissed or overlooked.

Despite several complaints and investigations over the years, Nassar continued to abuse his position until the mounting evidence could no longer be ignored. Reports of his misconduct surfaced as early as 1997, yet institutional responses were inadequate, allowing him to prey on countless more victims. Notably, while the FBI did eventually open an investigation in 2015, significant delays allowed Nassar to remain active and assault an estimated 40 additional individuals. This systemic failure to protect young athletes highlights the need for critical reforms within sports organizations to ensure that allegations of abuse are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.

Victims

Larry Nassar's predatory actions extended beyond renowned gymnasts to include a wide array of victims, highlighting the extensive reach of his abuse. Among his notable victims are Olympic champions such as Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Gabby Douglas, all of whom have bravely come forward to speak about their traumatic experiences. Additionally, former gymnast Rachael Denhollander was the first to publicly identify herself as a victim, igniting a wave of disclosures from others who had suffered similar abuses. The collective testimony of these victims shed light on a darker aspect of competitive sports and underscored Nassar's manipulation of trust to exploit young athletes.

Victims of Nassar's abuse faced significant barriers to speaking out, intertwined with fear of retaliation and doubt regarding their credibility. Many were coerced into accepting his manipulative claims of providing legitimate medical treatments, which contributed to the prolonged silence surrounding his heinous acts. Alongside elite gymnasts, he also targeted young girls who sought help for routine ailments, amplifying the gravity and scale of his offenses. Over the years, more than 500 individuals have come forward, with their courageous testimonies playing a pivotal role in dismantling the wall of silence surrounding sexual abuse in sports, pushing for accountability and systemic change within organizations like USA Gymnastics.

Investigation and Trial

Larry Nassar’s downfall came after a comprehensive investigation into the sexual assault allegations against him, which began taking shape in 2016. The first indications of his abuses surfaced when two women shared their harrowing experiences with the Indianapolis Star. Following their accounts, a wave of victims, including notable Olympic gymnasts, bravely stepped forward to detail the abuses they had suffered. The breadth of Nassar's crimes was compounded by the fact that multiple reports against him had been ignored over the years. Investigative efforts ultimately uncovered a staggering trove of evidence, including thousands of images of child pornography found on hard drives in his possession.

In November 2017, Larry Nassar pleaded guilty to multiple charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. His trial was marked by emotional testimonies from over 150 victims, highlighting the extensive and systemic nature of the abuse. In January 2018, he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison, with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina delivering a powerful statement that emphasized the irreversible damage he had inflicted. Coupled with a federal sentence for child pornography, Nassar's conviction was a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement, igniting a nationwide conversation about sexual abuse, especially within arenas traditionally dominated by male athletes and officials.

Nassar in Prison

Larry Nassar, the former doctor and athletic trainer of USA Gymnastics, is currently serving his prison sentence following multiple convictions for sexual assault and possession of child pornography. After a lengthy trial that revealed the extent of his abuse, Nassar was handed a sentence that effectively equates to life imprisonment. Initially, he was incarcerated in Michigan before being moved to various federal facilities, including high-security prisons due to the severity of his crimes. One notable transfer was to the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona, where he faced assaults from other inmates, highlighting the intense animosity directed towards him within the prison population.

In 2023, Nassar was attacked by another inmate at Coleman II U.S. Penitentiary in Florida, sustaining stab wounds to his back, neck, and chest. Fortunately, he was reported to be in stable condition afterward. As Nassar continues to serve his sentences, the fallout from his actions reverberates throughout the gymnastics community, with ongoing investigations and lawsuits against institutions that failed to protect young athletes from his predation. The national outrage over his abuse in the context of USA Gymnastics has sparked significant discussions regarding accountability within sports institutions, making Nassar's case a pivotal moment in the broader #MeToo movement.

Justice Department Investigation and Response

In July 2021, a report from the Justice Department's inspector general revealed critical failures by the FBI in investigating claims against Larry Nassar. The investigation showed that FBI officials in the Indianapolis field office took over a year to properly address allegations reported by USA Gymnastics, during which time Nassar was able to abuse at least 70 additional young athletes. The report highlighted serious lapses in urgency and seriousness concerning these allegations, ultimately allowing Nassar to commit further crimes while investigations were delayed.

In April 2022, thirteen female athletes who were assaulted by Nassar filed claims against the FBI, demanding $10 million each in compensation. A broader group representing approximately 90 young women, including well-known gymnasts like Simone Biles and McKayla Maroney, later sought over $1 billion in damages from the bureau. Although there have been indications that the FBI is open to settlements, as of July 2023, these lawsuits remain active, underscoring the continuing fallout of Nassar's actions and the institutions that failed to protect vulnerable athletes.

Wife and Children

Larry Nassar married Stefanie Lynn Anderson on October 19, 1996. As a fellow athletic trainer, she was familiar with the world of sports and gymnastics, which Nassar was deeply entrenched in. The couple had three children together: two daughters born in 2001 and 2004, and a son born in 2006. Their family life, however, was significantly impacted when Nassar’s history of sexual abuse and exploitation came to light, leading to widespread public outrage and condemnation.

Following the revelation of his heinous actions, Stefanie filed for divorce, severing ties with Nassar and distancing herself from the scandal that had irreparably tarnished his reputation. Interestingly, one of their daughters has autism, prompting Nassar to establish the Gymnastics Doctor Autism Foundation. This initiative aimed to support gymnastics programs tailored for children with autism and other special needs, yet it was overshadowed by the gravity of his crimes and their consequences on his family.

Podcast and Documentaries

Larry Nassar's case has garnered significant media attention, leading to a deeper examination of the systemic issues within organizations like USA Gymnastics. The podcast "Believed" delves into the harrowing stories of abuse and the culture that allowed Nassar to operate without scrutiny for so long. Through interviews with survivors and experts, the podcast sheds light on the emotional and psychological impact of his actions, emphasizing the bravery of those who came forward to seek justice. This audio documentary offers an impactful narrative that resonates with themes of support and accountability in the aftermath of abuse.

In addition to the podcast, Nassar's story has been featured in two prominent documentaries: HBO's "At the Heart of Gold" (2019) and Netflix's "Athlete A" (2020). "At the Heart of Gold" explores the extensive fallout from the scandal, focusing on the courage of survivors as they confront their trauma. Meanwhile, "Athlete A" provides an in-depth look at the investigative journalism that revealed the extent of Nassar's abuse and the systemic failures of USA Gymnastics. Both documentaries aim to educate the public on the importance of listening to victims and pushing for institutional change to ensure that such abuse is never tolerated again.