Disclaimer: This article contains references to unhealthy weight loss, abuse, suicidal thoughts and self harm. If any of these topics are triggering for you, please read with caution. If you or someone you know has struggled with these issues and wishes to seek help, contact the Milligan Counseling Center at counselingcenter@milligan.edu or 423-461-8500.
On Nov. 7 the New York Times released an article about Mary Cain, a professional distance runner. This article described how Nike “emotionally and physically” abused Cain during her time training with the Nike Oregon Project under Coach Alberto Salazar.
At 17 years old, Cain was already a record breaking runner and the youngest American track and field athlete to make a World Championship team. She signed with Nike in 2013 to train under Salazar.
Cain claims that there were no sports psychologists or nutritionists, and Salazar was constantly pushing her to lose weight. Cain reported that Salazar would weigh her in front of her teammates. This embarrassed Cain and made her feel shame that impacted her relationship with Salazar and affected her self-image.
At a track meet in 2015, Salazar reportedly (by a bystander at the meet) publicly yelled at Cain for running poorly according to his standards and accused her of gaining weight before the race. Salazar also allegedly wanted to give Cain birth control pills to help her lose weight. Cain said that as a result of the pills, she broke five bones and stopped menstruating because her body did not have enough estrogen to maintain bone health.
Head cross country coach Chris Layne shared insight about how the running program at Milligan works to exemplify what healthy training looks like for runners. “We’re definitely a quality and recovery based program,” Layne said. “Outside of running six days a week and one non-weight bearing day, we put a lot of emphasis on ancillary training like weights, core, mechanics, drills, etc.”
The New York Times has a video corresponding to Cain’s story. In the video Cain explains how she began to have suicidal thoughts and began to cut herself. According to Cain: “Although people saw me cut myself, nobody did anything.”
In response to a question about how Milligan’s coaching staff handles mental health struggles, Layne said: “Our staff is very attentive to our student-athletes, and in these cases, the first thing we’d do is suggest seeking professional help.”
An article in the “Oregonian,” released a day later, included statements from Salazar and denied shaming her about her weight. Salazar also claimed that Cain’s parents were deeply involved during her time training under him.
As a result of these allegations, Nike banned Salazar from coaching for four years and dismantled his team. Nike’s chief executive, Mark Parker, has announced he is stepping down. In response to Cain’s allegations directly, Nike has chosen not to comment on the issue.
Links to original press releases and articles regarding Mary Cain’s story can be found here. https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a29750469/mary-cains-allegations-against-nike-and-salazar/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/07/opinion/nike-running-mary-cain.html
Headline photo: Mary Cain competing in a race before leaving The Oregon Project. Photo from USA today.