A woman who refused to stay silent about abuse at the hands of a powerful man was presented with an award last night by another woman who knows that situation far too well.
Rachael Denhollander, who spotlighted the sexual abuse of former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar, was recognized with Sports Illustrated’s “Inspiration of the Year” award last night.
To make the recognition even more special, Denhollander received the award along with a video message from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
During Senate confirmation hearings on the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Dr. Ford came forward and alleged she was sexually assaulted by the then-nominee more than three decades ago.
In her first public statement since September, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford presents Sports Illustrated’s Inspiration of the Year Award to Rachael Denhollander https://t.co/2lBOB9nVDk pic.twitter.com/AjRYVYfOmS
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 12, 2018
“In stepping forward, you took a huge risk and you galvanized future generations to come forward even when the odds are seemingly stacked against them,” Dr. Ford said in the video. “The lasting lesson is that we all have the power to create real change and we cannot allow ourselves to be defined by the acts of others.”
Thanks to Denhollander and the other victims who came forward, Nassar will be spending the rest of his life in prison.
Had an incredible time at the @SInow Sportsperson of the Year event. Thanks to SI for making it so memorable, and may this be the beginning of standing against abuse no matter what community we find it in.
— Rachael Denhollander (@R_Denhollander) December 12, 2018
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