Laurie Hernandez Opens Up About Verbal Abuse From Former Gymnastics Coach

Laurie Hernandez is getting candid about her experience with verbal abuse.

The 19-year-old Olympian opened up about being abused by a former gymnastics coach.

“I had so many experiences that lead to multiple panic attacks where I’d just stand in front of the equipment and… cry. Hard. I felt like I couldn’t breathe; and I wanted to go home but I couldn’t cause I was just a kid,” she wrote in a note shared on Instagram.

“This kind of behavior and treatment is never okay,” Laurie added. “There are some things from my experience that will unfortunately stick with me forever, and I’ll always be working to heal from it–but sharing my story gives me a chance to close the chapter, take a deep breath, and start something new.”

See Laurie’s full story below…