Aly Raisman, a celebrated gymnast and three-time Olympic gold medalist, appeared at Elizabethtown College's Leffler Chapel & Performance Center as part of the Ware Lecture series. During her talk, Raisman shared her journey and her commitment to addressing mental health issues, highlighting its importance in the lives of many.

Read More

Known for her contributions to the U.S. Olympic gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, Raisman engaged with students in a classroom discussion prior to her keynote address, which was followed by a Q&A session moderated by college officials Veronica Nolt and Elizabeth Dalton. The audience included alumni, students, young gymnasts, and their parents.

Raisman discussed various topics, such as gardening and her life as a dog owner, but emphasized that mental health remains a critical concern. "I think that with mental health, it’s something that impacts far more people than we realize," she remarked. She noted that discussing mental health can help others feel safe to share their own struggles, which is crucial for fostering understanding and support in society.

Having revealed in 2017 that she was assaulted by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, Raisman has become a prominent voice for mental health advocacy, positive body image, and athlete safety. In the years following her competitive career, Raisman has also dealt with challenges related to overtraining and anxiety, working towards self-care and encouraging others to do the same.

At 32, Raisman serves as an analyst for ESPN covering college gymnastics and is also an author. She has written a memoir, "Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything," as well as a children's book, "From My Head to My Toes." Reflecting on her transition away from training, she shared valuable advice she received from designer Stuart Weitzman about not letting the Olympics define her life, underscoring that there are many fulfilling experiences beyond sports.

During the event, when asked about her favorite garden produce, Raisman mentioned enjoying flavors like lemon verbena and basil, showing her enthusiasm for sharing positive aspects of her life. She stated, "Spending time with my family, my friends, gardening, traveling, just being able to figure out who I am outside of gymnastics - those are what make me happy."