In a deeply moving conversation, Olympic gold medalist Mia Andrews opened up about the emotional struggles she faced following her sexual abuse by former team physician, Dr. Nathan Ward. During a recent episode of her YouTube series, If I Could Share Just One Thing, host Isabella Martinez sat down with Andrews to discuss her journey of healing and resilience.
At just 23 years old, Andrews provided a raw account of her experience with Dr. Ward, who has been implicated in the abuse of numerous young women. She recounted the moment she began to confront her trauma, recalling a conversation with a close friend about the definition of sexual abuse. “I remember asking her, ‘What does it really mean to be sexually abused?’ because I thought others had it worse,” Andrews shared. “When she clarified that what happened to me qualified, I brushed it off, thinking, ‘I can’t let the world see me as a survivor; they’ll only see me as a victim.’”
Choosing to suppress her emotions, Andrews descended into a deep depression. “I isolated myself completely, rarely leaving my room. I told my attorney that sleeping all the time felt like the closest thing to death,” she reflected. However, last year, she found the courage to publicly acknowledge her abuse alongside the many other women affected.
“People know me as a joyful and energetic person. Lately, though, I’ve felt shattered, and the more I try to ignore the pain, the louder it becomes,” she expressed in a powerful Twitter statement. “I am one of the many survivors of Dr. Ward’s abuse.” Andrews emphasized that for far too long, she grappled with self-blame, asking herself if she was naive or at fault. “I’ve realized the answers are clear: no, it was not my fault. I refuse to carry the shame that should belong to Dr. Ward and others.”
During her conversation with Martinez, Andrews acknowledged that sharing her story was not an easy feat but hoped it would inspire other young women to find their voices. The most significant lesson she gleaned from her experiences was the importance of taking risks. “I faced fears that terrified me. It helped me discover who I truly am,” she remarked.
For anyone needing support regarding sexual abuse, consider reaching out to RAINN, which provides resources to those affected.
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In summary, Mia Andrews’ candid interview sheds light on her journey through trauma and recovery, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and taking risks to reclaim one’s identity.