Simone Biles had one of the most miraculous comebacks in modern-day sporting history. Having suffered from a disturbing “Twisties” complication at the Tokyo Olympics, the American gymnast shocked the world with a botched landing from the vault. The next thing that Biles knew was that she was unable to fathom her body position while in the air. With a buzzing crowd wondering what happened, Biles hung her head low and ‘quit’ the Tokyo Olympics altogether.
The hatred soon followed, and the US gymnast queen was heavily targeted, getting labeled as a ‘coward’. This was one of the biggest setbacks in Biles’ career, and most of the people already started to write the epitaph on Biles’ gymnastics career’s obituary. But Biles was not ready to give up. Keeping the hunger to succeed within her alive, the 7x Olympic gold medalist started her grind and came back as a champion. Following the Paris Olympics, the world was shocked to see Biles become the GOAT of gymnastics as she clinched 3 more gold medals en route to glory. Now, there’s a little secret that made Biles come back from the dumps. Apart from her ironclad will succeed, Biles also took help from therapy.
Always speaking about the importance of mental health, Biles underwent regular therapy sessions to bring herself out of the shadows. And with a large number of females in America succumbing to depression, Biles is bringing her positive aura along with her in her next Gold Over America Tour stop, Kansas City. Scheduled for October 16, Biles expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the ones who have opted to seek help.
Speaking on the same, the US gymnast queen stated to KCTV5, “I’m always going to be open, vulnerable, and honest on my platforms…I’m just so blessed that most of these men and women that hear my story and feel inspired and go get help for the first time, just want them to know that that’s the help that they deserve. And so l’m happy they’re getting that help.” As a matter of fact, Biles’ take on mental health struggles is not only revolutionary but also goes on to show the strength of character of the OG gymnast. Because it is not every day that a champion athlete will have the courage to let go of the ego and take a step back.
Simone Biles’ advocacy for mental health
Simone Biles might be a champion, but her road to glory was never a bed full of roses. Growing up in foster care, Biles carried a significant childhood trauma until she was adopted by Ronnie and Nellie Biles. But this was just the tip of the iceberg. Trying to make a name for herself in gymnastics, Biles soon found out that she did not fit into the stereotypical ‘beauty standards’ preset by gymnastics. Thus, Biles’ long journey towards being a legend kicked off. Having to come across several unpleasant experiences, Biles opened how she and her fellow gymnasts were ill-treated at the Karolyi Ranch.
Biles further got candid about being exploited by Larry Nassar, which led her to succumb to depression. Her depression turned so much worse that Biles once said, “At one point I slept so much because, for me, it was the closest thing to death without harming myself. It was an escape from all of my thoughts, from the world, from what I was dealing with.” Seeking professional help to combat her dire situation, Biles never shied away from openly talking about mental health. She was the first modern-day gymnast who opined that it was ‘okay not to be okay’.
Her determined self was on full display when, despite almost half of America criticizing her, Biles stood firm in her decision. She was gutsy enough to say that although the Tokyo outing turned out sour, her main focus was to keep her mental and physical health in check. Thus, with the champion oozing confidence and preaching the importance of self-care and mental well-being, Simone Biles is growing rapidly in stature outside of her gymnastics realm as well.
