People Are Calling Netflix's 'Sick And Disturbing' Gymnastics Doc, 'Athlete A' A 'Powerful' Watch

Today, new documentary Athlete A dropped on Netflix and people are already called it a "powerful" and "essential" watch.

The doc takes a look at the "sick and disturbing" world of sexual abuse in US gymnastics and follows the case of convicted sex offender and former team doctor Dr. Larry Nassar who abused hundreds while employed by USA Gymnastics (USAG) and Michigan State University.

The documentary focuses primarily on Maggie Nichols, a victim dubbed 'Athlete A' as she was the first to report Nassar's harrowing crimes to to USAG. Maggie was set to make the Olympic gymnastics team when she told her mum what had been happening.

The Netflix show also documents how in 2016, a team of reporters from The Indianapolis Star began investigating the claims of abuse in USA Gymnastics.

They worked tirelessly on the story which eventually led to the conviction of Nassar and the resignation of USAG president, Steve Penny.

Nassar had been working for the team since 1986 while Penny is reported to have been covering up abuse for decades.

The doc takes a look at the

As well as Maggie, the documentary also hears from other fellow gymnasts who were victim to Nassar's horrific abuse.

In 2018, he was sentenced by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to 40 to 175 years behind bars after hundreds of survivors spoke out about his crimes.

The Netflix doc, directed by Jon Shenk and Bonnie Cohen, has already got people talking on Twitter, with many expressing their horror and disgust at the events that unfold.

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One person said they were even in tears just watching the trailer, while another called it "essential" viewing.

"Watching the documentary ATHLETE A on Netflix. It's horrific. Not just US national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, sentenced to 175 years in state prison for sexual assault of minors, but an entire system revolving around the physical & mental cruelty & abuse of young girls," tweeted one viewer.

While another wrote: "Athlete A is out now on Netflix; I urge everyone, not just fans of gymnastics, to watch it even though the content is heartbreaking and sickening. What those girls went through is unthinkable, and is a reminder to believe and support people that tell their story. "

Watching the trailer, another person commented: "Crying already."

While one said: "'I want everyone to know he did not do this to Athlete A, he did it to Maggie Nichols'. I am in tears. This line is still so raw and so powerful. A great documentary."

This certainly seems like it's going to be an emotional watch. It's available to stream on Netflix now.

Topics: Entertainment News, TV News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine