BTC Hater wrote:
I feel like so many of the articles I’ve read about the NOP and the witch hunt over the last few years has a comment from Kara Goucher, Lauren Fleshman or on the others in that group of Nike haters, like Steve Magness. It’s getting old reading the same stuff from them. When are they gunna stop? When Nike gets taken down as a company?
That being said, much of the article isn’t brand new stuff. A lot of the stuff about NOP’s dieting and trying to get as skinny as possible has been talked about by other members of the group or speculated about on these boards.
First, the reason that stories include quotes from these people is because most people won't speak about their experiences as a Nike athlete. Why would you, when anyone who does gets dropped by Nike (e.g., Allyson Felix) and dragged through the mud? I'd love for other athletes and coaches to speak out. But, until other people are willing to speak out, journalists are going to speak to athletes willing to go on record.
Second, did you watch the video? Did you see Mary say that she was abused and shamed to the point that she began cutting herself, and had suicidal thoughts? The problem isn't comments from folks like Karen, Lauren, and Steve. The problem is that the adults in the room at Nike/NOP -- Alberto, NOP staff -- did nothing while Alberto was weighing Mary in front of teammates and berating her in public over her weight. Even after Mary lost her period for three years and got five fractures. Even after Mary told them she was cutting herself. The problem is the culture at Nike, as Mary says. (Not just Nike, but Nike is certainly front and center). It's the willingness of adults (including Mary's adult training partners, it would seem) to look away as a powerful coach damaged the body and spirit of a young female athlete. The problem is NOT the whistle blowers.
Third, Nike is in this position because of decisions that Nike made and continues to make (e.g., reconstituting NOP via the Pete Julian group). Framing the issue as when are whistle blowers "gunna stop" is exactly the wrong message, in my view. I hope that more people speak out.
And, Mary Cain is a badass. I wish her all the success in the world.