Aly Raisman is an American gymnast, Olympic gold medalist, and outspoken advocate for mental health and survivors of sexual abuse. Known for her powerful floor routines, leadership, and poise under pressure, Raisman became a symbol of strength both on and off the gymnastics floor.
She captained the U.S. women’s gymnastics team in two consecutive Olympics—London 2012 and Rio 2016—earning six Olympic medals, including three gold. As a veteran in a sport dominated by youth, she stood out for her maturity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to team success.
Since stepping away from competitive gymnastics, many have wondered what Aly Raisman is doing now. This article explores her current pursuits, public advocacy, and personal growth as she continues to evolve beyond her role as an elite athlete.
Gymnastics Career and Olympic Achievements
Aly Raisman began gymnastics at age two and quickly rose through the ranks of U.S. gymnastics. She was known for her consistency, leadership, and exceptional performance on the floor exercise and balance beam. In 2012, she helped the U.S. women’s team—nicknamed the “Fierce Five”—win the team gold medal in London.
Individually, Raisman also claimed gold in the floor exercise and bronze on the balance beam. Her performances were celebrated for their technical excellence and artistic expression, especially her floor routine set to “Hava Nagila.”
She returned to the Olympics in 2016, leading the “Final Five” to another team gold medal. Raisman won silver in the all-around and the floor exercise, finishing just behind her younger teammate, Simone Biles.
Her career is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished in American gymnastics history.
Transitioning Out of Competition
Following the 2016 Olympics, Raisman took a step back from training and competing. Although she never formally announced her retirement, she gradually shifted her focus to personal healing, advocacy, and long-term wellness.
In interviews, Raisman has expressed the emotional toll that elite gymnastics took on her body and mind. She has become a vocal supporter of athlete wellness, emphasizing the need for rest, recovery, and life beyond medals and scores.
Her post-competition life reflects a conscious decision to prioritize emotional health, purpose-driven work, and meaningful contributions outside of sport.
Speaking Out and Advocacy Work
Aly Raisman’s most powerful role has emerged off the mat. In 2018, she publicly testified against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of young athletes under the guise of medical treatment.
Her testimony before Congress and in courtrooms nationwide brought international attention to systemic abuse within Olympic sports. Raisman has since become one of the leading voices in athlete safety reform, survivor advocacy, and institutional accountability.
She has collaborated with lawmakers, nonprofits, and survivor networks to push for better oversight, mandatory reporting laws, and trauma-informed support systems for young athletes. Her work continues to drive public awareness and influence policy change in the realm of sports governance and child protection.
What Is Aly Raisman Doing Now?
As of 2025, Aly Raisman remains highly active as a public speaker, author, wellness advocate, and survivor rights activist. She regularly participates in conferences, panel discussions, and college events, speaking on issues related to mental health, abuse prevention, and body autonomy.
She is also working on creative and educational projects centered around mindfulness, healing, and empowerment. Raisman continues to write, with plans to expand her literary voice into wellness-related content and children’s education.
She has not returned to gymnastics coaching or competition but remains closely connected to the sport through reform efforts and mentorship programs.
Media Appearances and Brand Partnerships
Raisman continues to appear on national media platforms, including morning shows, podcasts, and documentaries. She was prominently featured in the HBO documentary At the Heart of Gold and the Netflix series Athlete A, both of which examined the systemic failures that allowed abuse in gymnastics to persist.
Her story has also been spotlighted in The New York Times, Time, and Sports Illustrated, where she’s praised for using her platform to support others and demand change.
In the business world, Raisman has formed partnerships with wellness and fitness brands that align with her values, including clean beauty, activewear, and mental health-focused organizations. Her collaborations are known for being mission-driven, avoiding superficial marketing in favor of authentic messaging.
Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Healing
One of Aly Raisman’s key messages in recent years is the importance of prioritizing mental health. She has openly discussed her experience with PTSD, anxiety, and the complex process of healing from trauma.
She advocates for therapy, mindfulness, journaling, and self-compassion as tools for recovery. Raisman also encourages young people to seek support and avoid stigmatizing mental health challenges.
Her transparency has helped reduce shame around trauma recovery, especially for young survivors and athletes who face similar struggles. Through her social media platforms and interviews, she provides a consistent reminder that healing is not linear and that vulnerability is a strength.
Writing and Publishing Projects
Aly Raisman published her memoir Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything in 2017. The book became a bestseller, offering an honest look at her gymnastics journey, experiences with abuse, and path to personal empowerment.
As of 2025, she is working on new writing projects that explore wellness, resilience, and youth empowerment. These include both nonfiction and potential children’s books aimed at building confidence, empathy, and awareness in young readers.
Her upcoming literary work continues to be rooted in authenticity, providing a voice of encouragement and education for audiences of all ages.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Raisman is involved with several nonprofits focused on child protection, mental health, and women’s leadership. She serves as an ambassador for organizations like Darkness to Light, which focuses on preventing child sexual abuse through education and training.
She also supports athlete-run movements that advocate for safer training environments and trauma-informed coaching. Her work includes school visits, youth mentorship, and contributing to community-based programs that emphasize empowerment through sports.
Raisman has also supported crisis centers, therapy resource hubs, and survivor-led art therapy programs as part of her long-term philanthropic goals.
Public Image and Lasting Influence
Aly Raisman is widely respected as both an athlete and an advocate. Her journey from Olympic champion to courageous whistleblower and public educator has earned her recognition across disciplines.
She is considered a role model for young women, athletes, and survivors worldwide. Her willingness to challenge powerful institutions and speak truthfully about difficult experiences has redefined what it means to be a leader in sports.
Her continued relevance in cultural conversations around safety, healing, and personal strength ensures that her influence extends far beyond gymnastics.
FAQs
Who is Aly Raisman?
Aly Raisman is an American Olympic gymnast, six-time medalist, and survivor advocate. She captained the U.S. women’s gymnastics teams in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and is known for her advocacy for mental health and abuse prevention.
What is Aly Raisman doing now?
As of 2025, Raisman is focused on public speaking, writing, advocacy, and wellness education. She is involved in community outreach, mental health initiatives, and survivor support projects.
Is Aly Raisman retired from gymnastics?
Yes, while she never made a formal retirement announcement, Raisman has stepped away from competitive gymnastics since 2016 and has not returned to coaching or training.
What causes does Aly Raisman support?
She supports mental health awareness, child abuse prevention, survivor advocacy, and safer training environments in youth sports. She is also involved with nonprofit work and educational programming.
Has Aly Raisman written a book?
Yes, she authored the memoir Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything, and she is currently working on additional writing projects focused on resilience and empowerment.