Netflix Premieres ‘Athlete A,’ Sports Documentary Focuses on the USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse Scandal
“Athlete A,” a new documentary released on Netflix today, exposes one of the worst sexual abuse scandals in sports. It focuses on reporters from The Indianapolis Star, who exposed the decades-long abuses of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and the intense cover-up by the USA Gymnastics organization.
The doc details the two-year investigation, resulting in Nassar’s imprisonment. In addition, dozens of enabling coaches were banned from gymnastics.
The title references a brave woman, Maggie Nichols, who is “believed to be the first Nassar survivor to be brought to USA Gymnastics’ attention,” according to The Indianapolis Star. Other survivors added their stories about the poisonous culture surrounding the sport and how the organization protected abusers rather than stop the abuse.
“Athlete A” is directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk; the pair also directed “The Island President” and “Audrie and Daisy.”
Separately, Netflix is also streaming “Crazy Delicious,” the kooky British cooking show, today. It debuted in the UK in January and will now have a wider global audience.
The twist: Three chefs try to wow judges by transforming everyday dishes into something extraordinary. That means doing a 180 on a traditional recipe. The celebrity chef-judges are Carla Hall, Niklas Ekstedt and Heston Blumenthal.
Or in Netflix’s words: “In this competition show, daring home chefs tempt the food gods with reinvented classics and fanciful feasts in their quest to win a golden apple.”