Margaret Hoelzer, Olympic Swimmer, Reveals Child Abuse

Margaret Hoelzer, three-time Olympic medalist, revealed that she was sexually abused as a child in an Associated Press interview today. She will dedicate time and effort to help prevent future child abuse.

Margaret Hoelzer's abuse started when she was five years-old at the hands of a playmate's father. She thinks it continued for at least two years and, although she did not know what was going on at the time or that it was wrong, the memories and trauma stayed with her. "I didn't connect the dots other than feeling uncomfortable," she said. "I think on a subconscious level I knew it. But consciously, I didn't." 

Margaret Hoelzer came to the conscious realization that she was molested at age 11. She told her mother and her parents called the police that very night to have her abuser arrested. There was little evidence and they could not file any formal charges against her abuser.

Currently 25, Hoelzer says she hasn't reached final closure on the issue. Her experience as a victim has led her to volunteer at the National Child Advocacy Center which provides legal and emotional counseling to families who have experienced child abuse. Using her Olympic glory for a good cause, Hoelzer will deliver the keynote speech at a large fundraiser for the group on Friday.

Source: International Herald Tribune

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