Documentary
United States of America
At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal is a documentary film directed by Erin Lee Carr and produced by HBO. The film premiered on HBO on May 3, 2019, and tells the story of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal, which shocked the world when it came to light in 2017.
The film features interviews with several survivors of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, as well as their families, coaches, and journalists who covered the story. It also explores the culture of abuse that allowed Nassar to commit his crimes unchecked for so many years.
The film provides a detailed timeline of events leading up to Nassar's arrest and conviction, including the numerous complaints made against him by young women and girls over the years that were ignored or dismissed by USA Gymnastics officials. It also delves into the systemic problems within the organization that enabled such abuse to occur, including the emphasis on winning at all costs and the prioritization of the interests of coaches and officials over those of athletes.
Overall, At the Heart of Gold is a searing expose of the culture of abuse within USA Gymnastics and the devastating impact it had on the lives of those affected. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and safety within all sports organizations to prevent such abuses from happening again in the future.
