Mary Cain, once hailed as the fastest girl in America at the age of 17, endured a harrowing experience of psychological abuse, body shaming, and being compelled to train while injured and undernourished, leading her to walk away from the sport she excelled in. The mistreatment she faced at the Nike Oregon Project under running coach Alberto Salazar, culminated in a lifetime ban for Salazar in 2021 due to sexual and emotional misconduct.
In her recent memoir, “This Is Not About Running,” Cain sheds light on the normalization of toxicity in high-level sports, often stemming from negative experiences that start in school. Despite her remarkable achievements as a teen athlete, including breaking records and competing internationally, Cain faced hostility from peers and parents, with her high school coaches turning a blind eye to the mistreatment she endured.
Cain revealed that Salazar’s coaching tactics shifted from focusing on improving her running form to controlling her weight and appearance, leading to body shaming and emotional distress. Despite raising concerns to her parents and coaches, Cain faced punishment and criticism, further exacerbating her struggles.
During her time at the Nike Project, Cain’s physical and mental well-being deteriorated as she was pushed to train through injuries and conditions like stress fractures. Ignored panic attacks, disordered eating, and self-harm led to her eventual departure from the Nike Oregon Project in 2015, feeling broken and unsupported.
In 2019, Salazar’s doping violations ban prompted Cain to confront the uncomfortable reality of her past experiences. Although Salazar issued a statement following the ban, he never directly apologized to Cain. The subsequent settlement of a lawsuit against Nike and her former coach in 2023 marked a step towards closure and healing for Cain.
Now focused on healing and advocating against abuse in sports, Cain aims to empower young athletes and parents to speak out against inappropriate behavior from coaches. Despite the trauma she endured, Cain has rediscovered joy in running and found purpose in her journey towards a career in medicine, driven by a desire to help others.
Through her resilience and determination, Cain’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete well-being and fostering a safe and supportive environment in sports.
