Friends, though you’ve had an insight into the realities of sport through my perspective on this blogsite, there are many other untold narratives, one of which I’m keen to share today—a story of struggle, resilience, and the quest for validation – through a different lens, personhood and sport.
“As athletes, we give our heart and soul to our sport, but sometimes we’re seen more as commodities than as human beings,” Mimi reflects.
Mimi-Isabella Cesar is a rhythmic gymnast whose journey offers insight into the insipid challenges of abuse faced by some athletes behind the scenes.
Body Image Standards
From a young age, Mimi grappled with the relentless pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. “I was constantly told I wasn’t good enough, that my body wasn’t what they wanted,” she shares, highlighting the damaging impact of such criticism on her self-esteem.
‘I think I will always have this kind of body dysmorphia just because rhythmic gymnastics has lent me to that – constantly.‘
The abuse of power within sports is a harsh reality that Mimi confronted first-hand. “The coach I was working with, she told me not to tell my parents, not to tell anyone; it was like just between me and her,” she reveals.
Silenced by threats and intimidation, the toll of Mimi’s ordeal extended beyond the confines of the gym mat, infiltrating her relationships and snatching her voice. “I couldn’t confide in my family,” she admits, recalling the isolation she felt in her darkest moments. “I couldn’t talk after training; I was just crying…I was a shell of a person.”
But amidst the darkness, Mimi found strength in resilience. And there is, in fact, so much hope in her story, which we explore further in the second episode. Ultimately, her unwavering determination and upbeat demeanour throughout our conversation is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for post-traumatic growth and healing.
Advice for Victims of Emotional Abuse: Speak out
For those who may be experiencing similar challenges, Mimi offers an important piece of advice from her own reflections of what could have been: “I just wish that I kind of had that intuition to help myself and speak to my mum and dad and and speak to a sports psychologist or someone that could have helped me in that time because I think it would maybe be a very different story if I had found that capability to do it.”
If this story feels eerily relatable for you or someone you know, please let this post be the reminder you need to receive: You are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust—a friend, a family member, or a professional. Your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard.
Listen To Mimi’s Full Story on The Define Your Success Podcast
To hear more about Mimi’s journey and her insights into the world of sports, I encourage you to tune in to the Define Your Success podcast. Join us as we delve into Mimi’s story and shine a light on the issues often overlooked in the realm of sports.
In this first episode of our two-part candid conversation, Mimi shares her thoughts on athlete welfare, mental health, and the importance of fostering a compassionate sports culture.
Let’s listen, learn, and together, redefine what success truly means for athletes worldwide.
abigailirozuru 