Ten years after the exposure of Larry Nassar’s systemic sexual abuse of gymnasts, the judge who presided over his sentencing, Rosemarie Aquilina, has publicly criticized the sport's governing bodies for a lack of substantive change. During the World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Aquilina stated that the industry remains focused on sporting success and financial gain rather than the safety and human rights of the athletes.

Aquilina, who gained national attention for allowing over 150 victims to deliver impact statements during Nassar’s sentencing, expressed frustration that the culture within gymnastics has not evolved as promised. She emphasized that despite the public outcry and the high-profile nature of the case, the structural issues that allowed Nassar to operate for years remain largely unaddressed. Her comments come as the gymnastics community gathers for a major international event, serving as a reminder of the ongoing tension between competitive performance and athlete welfare.

While the gymnastics community has undergone various leadership changes and policy reviews since the scandal, Aquilina maintains that these efforts have not been sufficient to protect young athletes. She advocates for a fundamental shift in priorities, insisting that the health and safety of participants must be the primary objective of any athletic organization. The judge’s remarks highlight a persistent divide between the reforms claimed by sports officials and the lived experience of survivors who continue to call for deeper accountability.