Gymnast Aly Raisman is no stranger to accepting awards. She’s earned six Olympic medals, five World Championship medals, and now, the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina. She accepted the honor at Variety‘s L.A. Power of Women event Wednesday in Beverly Hills. After an introduction from her fellow Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Raisman took the stage, delivering a speech that stressed the importance of coming together to create avenues for change, because “Hope grows when communities show up.”
While Raisman’s accomplishments on the mat are legendary, she is being honored with the Courage Award for her work as an advocate, ally and activist. She testified before the Senate in 2018 about the sexual abuse allocations against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar and continues to speak up against sexual abuse. She’s championed mental health awareness, advocated for pet-friendly shelters for survivors of domestic violence, and authored the 2024 children’s book “From My Head to My Toes,” which teaches kids about consent.
Chiles introduced her, saying, “Tonight, we’re not here to celebrate what Aly did on a four-inch beam or on the floor. We’re here to celebrate something that requires even more courage — what she’s done with her voice.”
Accordingly, Raisman used her speech as an opportunity to speak up for people who are still enduring domestic abuse. “Violence is their daily reality,” she said, “For too many, home is the least safe place.” At the same time, she acknowledged that “Leaving isn’t simple. So many factors can keep a person in harm’s way: children, finances, threats, lack of resources and support, uncertainty, fear, even pets.”
Focusing on the importance of keeping people and their pets together, she showed gratitude for Purina’s Purple Leash Project, stating, “I want to acknowledge the people and organizations working to remove these barriers by creating safe options, including pet-friendly shelters. Initiatives like the Purple Leash Project are critical so no one has to choose between safety and a family member.” She then spoke about how her own dog, Mylo, helps her enjoy day-to-day life and maintain her mental health.
In a call to action, Raisman added that “We need to acknowledge the prevalence of abuse before becoming part of the solution” and encouraged the audience to “never underestimate the power of your belief and action in someone’s experience.”
“Keep reaching out until someone listens and provides you with the validation you deserve and stands with you,” she implored the audience, “I promise you there are people out there who will believe and help you. Sometimes it may just take time to find that person or organization. But please don’t give up until you find someone.”
She concluded her speech with a hopeful message, saying, “Your body is your own. It is a basic human right to be safe and have a safe place to call home. If it feels dark right now, you won’t feel like this forever. There is help. There is community. There is a future.”
