Mary Cain, a former middle distance runner, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Nike and her ex-coach, Alberto Salazar, accusing them of subjecting her to long-term emotional abuse.
The 25-year-old Cain lodged her legal complaint on Monday in Multnomah County, Oregon. The lawsuit alleges that Salazar made Cain weigh herself publicly and then criticized her weight and body shape, including making comments about her “breasts and bottom” being too large. It also claims that Salazar controlled Cain’s food intake. As a result of these actions, Cain reportedly developed self-harming behaviors and thoughts of suicide.
In a 2019 interview with the New York Times, Cain stated, “I joined Nike because I wanted to become the best female athlete. Instead, I suffered emotional and physical abuse within a system led by Alberto and supported by Nike.”
According to Kristen West McCall, one of Cain’s attorneys, Salazar obstructed communication between Cain and her parents, especially her father, Charles, who is a doctor. McCall alleges that Nike allowed these behaviors to continue “for their own gain and profit.” She describes Cain’s mistreatment as part of a broader “systemic and widespread problem.” Nike has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
