NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Maggie Nichols, a University of Oklahoma gymnast who was among the first to report sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, is being honored by the NCAA with the 2019 Inspiration Award.
Nichols will receive the award Jan. 23 at the NCAA Honors Celebration in Orlando, Florida. It's given to a coach, administrator or athlete who demonstrates perseverance, dedication and serves as a role model of hope and inspiration to others.
In January when Nichols was a sophomore, she released an 898-word statement saying she had been sexually assaulted by Nassar and reported the abuse to USA Gymnastics in 2015.
Nassar eventually pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges and was sentenced to decades in prison.
Nichols is the defending NCAA individual champion in the All-Around.
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