Lyasan Utyasheva, the renowned gymnast, has opened up about the difficult childhood she endured in her family’s Volgograd apartment, revealing a past marred by domestic violence and her father’s struggle with alcoholism. In a recent interview, Utyasheva revisited the home where she experienced traumatic events, sharing her story with raw emotion.

Utyasheva described how her father’s failed business venture in the 1990s led to alcohol abuse and violent behavior. She recounted instances of him physically abusing her and her mother, turning their home into “hell.” Utyasheva recalled seeking help from neighbors during these episodes, highlighting the fear and vulnerability she experienced as a child.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Utyasheva’s mother worked tirelessly to provide for the family, taking on multiple jobs while enduring her husband’s abuse. Utyasheva emphasized the strength and resilience her mother displayed during this challenging period.

As a young girl, Utyasheva made a conscious decision to protect her mother, channeling her energy into sports. She explained that she saw sports as a way to become strong and capable, transforming herself into the “man” of the family. At the age of eleven, her mother finally left her father.

For years, Utyasheva struggled to forgive her father. However, after undergoing therapy, she was able to confront her past and reconcile with him. She initiated a phone call, expressing her longing for him, and upon seeing him, realized the importance of forgiveness and cherishing relationships.

Utyasheva now believes that her father’s actions were a result of addiction, not inherent malice. She acknowledges that during that time, resources for addressing such issues were limited. Today, her father is actively working on himself and maintains a positive relationship with Utyasheva’s family, including her children.

Despite forgiving her father, Utyasheva continues to grapple with the long-term effects of her difficult childhood. She is currently in therapy to address the “excellent student” syndrome, a constant need to be the best and strongest. This stems from her early desire to protect her mother and seek approval through achievements. Utyasheva’s journey toward healing also involves challenging her own rigid beliefs, exemplified by her reevaluation of a past statement about women’s roles. She aims to shed the “must” mentality and embrace a more authentic and self-aware existence, particularly for the sake of her daughter.