Athlete A

About Athlete A

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Athlete A is a powerful and compelling documentary film directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, which was released in 2020. The film falls under the genre of Documentary Films and explores the shocking sexual abuse scandal within the USA Gymnastics organization.

The documentary focuses on the story of Maggie Nichols, one of the athletes known as "Athlete A" who came forward about her abuse by team doctor Larry Nassar, and the investigative team at the Indianapolis Star newspaper who broke the story.

The film sheds light on the systemic failures and cover-ups by USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University that enabled Nassar to continue abusing young female gymnasts for over two decades. It also examines how the survivors found the courage to speak out, seek justice, and demand accountability for the horrific abuse they endured.

Making / Production

The film Athlete A was produced by Actual Films and aired on Netflix. Directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk worked closely with the survivors and their families to bring their story to the screen. The filmmakers conducted extensive research, interviews, and used archival footage to build a comprehensive narrative that exposes the institutional failures and the courage of the survivors.

Actors

• Maggie Nichols - One of the athletes known as "Athlete A" who came forward about her abuse by Larry Nassar. Played by Herself.
• Rachael Denhollander - Former gymnast and attorney who was the first survivor to publicly accuse Nassar. Played by Herself.
• Gina Nichols - Maggie Nichols' mother who supports her daughter throughout the ordeal. Played by Herself.
• John Manly - Attorney representing multiple survivors in lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Played by Himself.
• Marisa Kwiatkowski - Investigative reporter for the Indianapolis Star who broke the story. Played by Herself.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Athlete A" refers to the anonymous identity given to Maggie Nichols in the initial investigation.
• The documentary premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
• Athlete A won the Truth to Power Award at the 2020 Critics' Choice Documentary Awards.
• The film highlights the strength and resilience of the survivors who fought for justice and ignited a global outcry against sexual abuse in sports.

Awards

Athlete A won the Truth to Power Award at the 2020 Critics' Choice Documentary Awards.

Quotes

• "Your silence is what is killing gymnastics right now." - Rachael Denhollander
• "He had us all fooled. But he didn't have my mom fooled." - Maggie Nichols
• "Our investigation reveals a cover-up by a major American sports organization." - Marisa Kwiatkowski

Music / Soundtrack

• The documentary features an original score composed by Jeff Beal, known for his work on the television series "House of Cards."
• The music enhances the emotional impact of the film and underscores the survivors' journey towards justice.