Maggie Nichols

Maggie Nichols was born in Little Canada, MN, and began her journey in gymnastics at the age of 3. By the age of 14, she had joined the US National Team and contributed to numerous international victories for Team USA. Despite being a top contender for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, a knee injury ended her chances of competing. Furthermore, Nichols was the first to report misconduct and sexual abuse by a USA Gymnastics team doctor, which raised questions when she was not included in the 2016 Olympic Team.

Nichols, initially known as “Athlete A” in the documentation regarding the investigation and lawsuit, publicly came forward in 2018 and shared her traumatic experiences side by side with other survivors. Her brave act in 2015, being the first to report the abuse, played a significant role in the current reconfiguration and assessment of USA Gymnastics. A Netflix documentary aired in June of 2020 featured Nichols’ story, bringing additional awareness to the tragedy. Since then, she has founded the Maggie Nichols Foundation with a mission to support charities that assist victims and survivors of all types of abuse.

In 2016, Nichols transitioned from elite gymnastics to join the NCAA at the University of Oklahoma. Her collegiate career was marked by numerous distinctions, making her one of the most decorated NCAA gymnasts of all time. Notably, she was the ninth NCAA gymnast to complete a Gym Slam and the first to do so for Oklahoma. Throughout her college career, Nichols won various titles, including the uneven bars, balance beam, and all-around championships in different meets. Furthermore, she stood as a leading figure in the NCAA standings in all four events.

Following her gymnastic career, Nichols utilized her expertise in the sport as a student assistant coach for the Sooners gymnastics team. Concurrently, she pursued her Master's of Education in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration at the University of Oklahoma after graduating with her Bachelor's degree in Communication and a Minor in Business. As of 2024, she works as a certified personal trainer in South Padre Island, Texas. Her memoir, "Unstoppable!: My Journey from World Champion to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and Beyond," was published on January 16, 2024.

Despite the obstacles she experienced, Nichols continues to inspire many by sharing her story and encouraging both athletes and non-athletes. Her contributions to the sport and resilience in facing adversity have confirmed her as a notable figure in the field of gymnastics.