Maddie Groves, a highly accomplished two-time Olympic silver medalist, had been preparing tirelessly for the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the global pandemic led to the games’ postponement by a year. Amidst the Australian trials leading up to the summer games, Groves faced additional pressure and has ultimately decided to withdraw from the Olympics due to a distressing influx of “misogynistic perverts” within the swimming community.
Although Groves did not explicitly name individuals when announcing her decision to step back from the Olympic trials, it is important to note that she has previously spoken up about experiencing harassment while competing in swimming. By choosing to prioritize a life free from incessant harassment from a “misogynistic pervert,” Maddie has made the brave decision to prioritize her well-being over Olympic participation.
Regrettably, Groves’ choice means that she will not have the opportunity to compete in Tokyo this summer. Despite being an exceptional swimmer and winning silver medals in the 200-meter butterfly and the 4×100 medley during the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has decided it is time to take a stand against the perverts within her sport.
In an Instagram post, Maddie explained her decision to withdraw from the Olympics, resonating deeply with her fans and supporters. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, and while she will not be participating in the Olympic Trials in Adelaide, she expressed enthusiasm for competing in other competitions later in the year. Maddie’s dedication to her sport remains unwavering.
She also encouraged her followers to watch the trials, which will be streaming on Amazon, and to witness the incredible talent that will represent Australia in Tokyo. Furthermore, she expressed her belief that this Australian Swim Team will be one of the fastest ever, urging everyone to support them wholeheartedly. Maddie extended her best wishes to all the athletes competing in the Olympic Trials, particularly her own team from @moretonbay_swimming and her exceptional coach, @david_lush_, as well as everyone who has contributed to their preparation.
While her initial Instagram post did not delve into the specifics behind her decision, she followed up with another post to shed more light on her reasons for quitting the Olympics. Maddie’s words served as both a cautionary reminder and a bold statement against the misogynistic perverts in the world of sports. No longer will young women and girls be exploited, body shamed, or subjected to medical gaslighting for the sake of someone else’s financial gain. Time’s up for the perpetrators.
Maddie declared her departure from a sport that tolerates such “bad behavior” and rewards those in power who perpetuate the mistreatment of athletes.
What are your thoughts on this Olympic swimmer’s courageous decision to abstain from competition?
