Sokova turned senior in 2016, but did not earn any major assignments due to ongoing injuries.

She explained that her coaches did not allow time enough for her hip problems to heal, and that they believed she was fabricating her continued pain during training.

Eventually, her mother refused to allow her to attend a national training camp, and instead took her for further medical evaluation.

Online outrage without the gymnastics community was swift and enormous, as key Tumblr and forum users translated Sokova's 17-minute video into English within one day.

There was an outpouring of supportive and sympathetic messages for Sokova across her YouTube channel and social networks, from both Russian and international fans.