Starting in 2012, Cain participated in the program at Nike headquarters, which was designed to improve the fortunes of American distance runners in international competitions.
She was 16 years old at the time she informally joined the team. The next year, she accepted an endorsement contract with Nike as a professional runner for the Nike Oregon Project.
The lawsuit claims that, as head coach, Salazar “acted with knowledge that severe emotional distress was certain or substantially certain to result from his conduct.”
In particular, the complaint states, “Salazar told her that she was too fat and that her breasts and bottom were too big.”
Cain’s attorneys also allege that “Salazar and other Nike employees often made sexist and objectifying comments about female athletes, focusing on their appearance and weight, while they did not make similar comments to or regarding male athletes.”
Cain says in the lawsuit that she was put on a diet that left her so hungry, she secretly stole food from her teammates which she ate in the bathroom.
The complaint says Salazar publicly berated her about her weight even after she won the 3,000 meters junior world championship in 2014, a first for an American woman, according to the suit.
The lawsuit also says Salazar was aware that Cain was developing an eating disorder and had deliberately cut herself, but he allegedly did nothing and ridiculed Cain for having panic attacks.
The New York Times also reported that it had received an email from Salazar denying many of Cain’s claims and saying “he had supported her health and welfare.”
In a statement to CNN on Wednesday, Nike responded, “We don’t comment on ongoing litigation. Nike is committed to positively affecting the future of sport for women and girls and we are doing more in this space than ever before.”
Messages sent to Salazar requesting comment were not returned to CNN on Wednesday.
Salazar, who was born in Cuba, enjoyed a distinguished athletics career, winning the New York marathon for three consecutive years between 1980-82. In 1982 he was second at the world cross country championships.
He also once held American track records in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.