Ep. 97: Jennyfer Roberts | Speaking Out

Philosophical Weightlifting Podcast

We interrupt your regularly scheduled podcasts about programming and technique, to bring you a voice that needs a bigger reach.
Jennyfer Roberts was an up and coming weightlifter. She had risen through the ranks, swiftly dominating the platform and adding kilo after kilo to her total. Her story takes a turn during her first international trip with team USA, ending with the involvement of SafeSport, USA Weightlifting, numerous legal professionals, and an excess of heartbreak and anguish.
For many who saw the story come to a close when the final decisions were made about the case, Jennyfer was the exception, because for her "there is no close to this."
Join us as we discuss the events and people who brought her into this great sport, but finish with the events and people who ripped it from her.
Addendum - Towards the end of the podcast I asked Jennyfer a question that she felt she inadequately answered. Here is her response and message for all of the listeners:
"... as I was thinking through what was said, I also realized I hate one of the things I said. I panicked and said something other people say and not really what I wanted to say which is that when you make comments online or in person about victims and / and women, think of them as whole ass human beings! Think of sexual assault survivors as whole ass humans worthy of protection. You shouldn't have to have a good relationship with a woman in your life to care about them and respect them, you shouldn't have to know a sexual assault survivors in the flesh to care about them and think about them and consider them and their life in your dialogue. They deserve care and protection and words of violence, or mistrust, or demeaning, objectifying victims or women in general said on the internet or between people in locker rooms and executive suites it all needs to stop, it all contributes to rape culture and it's not ok. Stop ignoring and denying their story, their reality, their calls for help, their needs and wants, they don't want to be here either. The consequences, the scars left, they're quite severe for us survivors and the ripple effect goes far beyond us to our families and communities. A victim coming forward in the first place is huge and that needs to be recognized, more widely known and accepted. In all this, I hope that is what can be taken away, because I know I'm not alone in having first-hand experience of this never ending constantly building timeline of painful memories as well as the constant judgement and expectations that come with going through the proper channels or handling it "the right way". We want more victims to feel safe coming forward, not the opposite so it has to be better, everyone has to be better because there are survivors all around you. Trust me, I know, I'm here. Definitely try and consider that next time you talk about it or comment about it."
Ways to contact Jennyfer:
Email - [e-mail]
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennyfer_kang/