As a retired gymnast, I have firsthand experience and understanding of the gymnastics world and its challenges, culture, pressures, and the physical and mental demands placed on athletes. This provides me with unique insights into what young gymnasts of color face. I have insider knowledge of the sport’s structures, norms, and expectations. I understand the training regimes, competition stress, and the support systems that are in place (or lacking). This helps my ability to identify gaps and needs that my project might aim to address. Having been through these experiences, I can empathize with young gymnasts of color that face challenges of racial bias and lack of representation. My empathy builds trust, which will make my intervention more effective. My position allows me to be an advocate for change within this community. I will use my connections and understandings to amplify the awareness of the specific challenges in my push for systemic changes. 

So, I believe in protecting the youth of Black gymnasts. I aim to preserve their peace, agency, and bodies. 

Black girls and women are less likely to report their assault due to various factors, including distrust of the legal system, fear of retribution, and cultural stigma. The Women of Color Network reports that approximately 60% of Black girls have experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18. Black victims of sexual assault are often met with less empathy and support compared to other victims. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that stereotypes and biases against Black women often lead to their experiences being minimized or disregarded. There are growing movements and organizations focused on addressing sexual assault against Black girls and women, such as the 'Me Too' movement, which was started by Tarana Burke, a Black woman. 

Black children are not extended the same kinds of notions about innocence, which is gendered and classed; They are seen as accessible. There are ideas that are often targeted as being more capable of being involved in some sort of criminal activity which is an allusion to compromised innocence. These are ideas that were born during enslavement, but continue to penetrate the peace of Black people today. This may also be a pipeline problem; there’s a limited number of coaches of color. There are serious gendered aspects of this issue and class, but also the racialized aspects: interracial interactions between coaches and gymnasts.