Feisty Female Friday: Aly Raisman

The FFF this week is Aly Raisman.

Aly is a retired American artistic gymnast and two-time Olympian. As captain of the gold-medal-winning U.S. teams, she earned six Olympic medals, becoming one of the most decorated American gymnasts in history.

Aly was born in MA and started gymnastics at 18 months. She trained at the American Gymnastics Club under Mihai and Silvia Brestyan and knew that gymnastics was for her, even at a young age, after watching the “Magnificent Seven” women’s gymnastics team

Aly served as captain of the "Fierce Five," and has won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals as a solo and team member. Her gold medal win in floor exercise marked the first time that an American woman was awarded the gold medal in that category. She has always been known for her consistent, powerful floor performances, and competition in two Olympics. She has also earned five world championship medals and eight US National Champion medals.

She is also a published author of a memoir, Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything. Aly details her journey as an outspoken survivor, advocate for safe sport, promoting positive body image, and shares her experience as a sexual abuse survivor. Her victim impact statement at the Nasser trial reminded everyone that she and the other women are and always will be survivors. Because of her testimony and that of other abuse victims, he received a life sentence.

She has competed on Dancing with the Stars and appeared in a documentary about her healing from sexual about and was featured with her teammates on a Sports Illustrated cover. Aly is a gymnastic commentator for ESPN, a prominent advocate for mental and physical health, OCD awareness, an investor in women’s sports, and supports the Special Olympics. Aly was Inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, is retired from gymnastics, and has always expressed gratitude for all the support that she received throughout her career.

Aly has a street named after her, works at a summer gymnastic camp and a nonprofit to prevent child sex abuse. She and her gymnastic team members have received the Aruthur Ashe Award. Aly supports UNICEF, has many sponsorships, and recently launched a new Life is Good line empowering women to be kind, brave, and to just be yourself.