Simone Biles, the American gymnast who won five gold medals in Rio last month, has been praised for her ‘prioritizing mental wellness’. Simone Biles is an American gymnast who has been praised for prioritising mental wellness.
Dates: July 23rd to August 8th, Tokyo time: BST +8 |
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After withdrawing from the Olympic women’s team final, American gymnast Simone Biles was lauded for prioritizing “mental health above everything else.”
Biles’ choice was praised by the leader of the US Olympic team, numerous gymnasts, and other athletes.
After her vault, the 24-year-old withdrew from the competition, stating, “I need to concentrate on my mental health.”
“You’ve made us very proud,” remarked Sarah Hirshland, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s top executive.
“We appreciate your choice to put your mental health first above all else, and we pledge to provide you with the full support and resources of our Team USA community as you embark on this path.”
After winning five consecutive global championships in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019, as well as back-to-back Olympic gold medals in London and Rio, the United States were the favorites for gold.
Biles left the stadium after earning 13.766, her lowest Olympic vault score, but returned to cheer on her teammates as they won silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee and bronze behind Great Britain.
Biles has won 30 medals at the Olympics and World Championships, and she needs four podium places in Tokyo to become the most decorated gymnast in history, male or female.
The ‘GOAT’ is a term used to describe her (Greatest Of All Time).
Danusia Francis, a Jamaican gymnast, said: “I don’t know about you, but I believe Simone Biles has just inspired everyone to prioritize their mental health above everything else. What a queen she is. In more ways than one, he’s the GOAT.”
“Since 2013, she’s been unbeaten in the all-around, so every competition she goes into, everyone wants her to be perfection, and it’s simply not possible,” former Great Britain gymnast Beth Tweddle, a bronze medalist in 2012, said on One.
“She was brave enough to say, ‘I’m simply not feeling well today, but I have faith in the other girls.’ They know they can step up and do their tasks.’
“And she walked back in, and she was their main cheerleader, and she was bringing them chalk.” To be able to make such a choice demonstrates how much of a leader she is.
“We have to make sure that every athlete’s health and well-being is our first concern.”
Melanie de Jesus dos Santos, a gymnast from France, said: “We’re not accustomed to seeing Simone Biles in such a revealing outfit. I’d want to point out that it’s not simple because she’s Simone Biles, and everyone is looking at her. It’s very tough for her mentally.”
“This is extremely uncommon for her,” said Japanese gymnast Mai Murakami, “but if you’re under a lot of strain, it may damage your body.”
Biles earned her sixth Olympic gold in second place, and she also won 19 global championships between 2013 and 2019.
She has advanced to the finals of all five individual events in Tokyo and is uncertain about competing in her next event on Thursday, when she will try to become the first woman to retain the Olympic all-around title since 1968.
“We’ll see,” she explained. “We’ll take it day by day and see what happens,” says the narrator.
“That was a big deal,” said Jordan Chiles, 20, who replaced Biles in the women’s team final. Those were certainly some large shoes to fill, and I’m grateful that I was able to do so.
“She is, without a doubt, the GOAT. I was able to demonstrate to the rest of the world that not only can you fill great people’s shoes, but you can also do it together.”
Sunisa Lee, 18, a teammate, said, “We were all really worried.” We honestly had no idea at the time. Simone Biles is freaking out. She is the team’s lifeblood.
“It was difficult and stressful when we had to stand up to the plate and do what we needed to do. But I’m really proud of us for doing that.”
Simone Biles cheered on her teammates and celebrated the USA’s silver medal with her substitute Jordan Chiles after returning to the stadium.
‘A gentle reminder: Olympic athletes are people, too’
“I feel sick to my stomach,” Aly Raisman, a former Olympic champion and retired US gymnast, said. It’s a disaster. I know that all of these athletes have dreamed of this moment their whole life, therefore I’m heartbroken and hope Simone is well.
“I’ve been seeing how much strain she’s been under in the months building up to the Games, and it’s just heartbreaking.”
“Just a nice reminder: Olympic competitors are people like you and me, and they’re trying their best. It’s very difficult to peak at the appropriate time and go about your daily routine when you’re under such duress.”
Other athletes – as well as people outside of athletics – sent messages of support to Biles.
“Once a champion, always a champion,” remarked boxer Manny Pacquiao, while Mikaela Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in alpine skiing, added, “Keep whipping out that grin of yours because it is unquestionably golden.”
The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns tweeted “”I can’t fathom the strain Simone has been under,” former US figure skater Adam Rippon remarked, adding, “I can’t image the pressure Simone has been under.” I’m sending her a lot of love. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that she’s still human.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: “Simone Biles is deserving of gratitude and support. The GOAT is still the GOAT, and we’re all fortunate to get to watch her in action.”
“Thank you for being a role model and teaching the world it’s OK to prioritize your mental health,” Unicef USA tweeted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Simone Biles famous quote?
I am not stopping until I get there. If I dont win gold, then Im going to keep trying until I do.
Why did Simone Biles go to therapy?
Simone Biles went to therapy because she was struggling with an eating disorder, which is a mental illness.
What is Simone Biles inspiration?
Simone Biles is an American gymnast who won four gold medals in the 2016 Olympics. She has inspired many people around the world because she overcame a lot of obstacles to become one of the best gymnasts in the world.