Simone Biles’ Courage in Mental Health Battles
Simone Biles deserves immense credit for using her platform to raise awareness about women’s mental health.
Simone Biles’ Courage Shines a Light on Women’s Mental Health
Her decision to withdraw from the 2021 Olympic gymnastics competition due to mental health challenges revealed the tremendous pressure she’s faced throughout her career. The World Health Organization publicly praised her bravery, and in interviews, Biles has admitted she often bottles up emotions and struggles to cry—making her openness about mental health even more powerful.
Her courage has sparked an essential conversation: mental health struggles in women’s sports are not signs of weakness. For too long, female athletes have been expected to suppress emotions to appear strong. However, as Biles showed, unaddressed mental stress can lead to anxiety and burnout. Her honesty became a powerful example of what true strength and courage look like under intense pressure.
Global Support for Simone Biles
People around the world flooded social media with messages of support for Simone Biles, emphasizing that her peace and mental health matter most. Many praised her for reminding everyone of the importance of mental health in sports, particularly for women. Fellow Olympians have also voiced their support, highlighting how groundbreaking her decision was for future generations of athletes.
Unfortunately, not all reactions were positive. Some media outlets, particularly from the Russian Olympic Committee and parts of Japan—where mental health stigma remains strong—criticized her decision, questioning her toughness. Despite these remarks, Biles stood firm, showing the world that prioritizing mental health over medals is an act of true athletic integrity.
Why Simone Biles’ Decision Matters
Biles made it clear her withdrawal was not due to defeat or fear but out of concern for her safety and well-being. With her mental state affected, performing dangerous gymnastics routines could have led to severe or even fatal injury. Her choice reflected self-awareness, maturity, and leadership, not weakness.
Standing up for mental health, especially in a world that often glorifies perfection, requires courage. Biles’ decision has inspired athletes across the globe to speak up, seek help, and embrace self-care without shame.
A Call for Change in Sports Culture
Former English gymnast and sports editor Alison Kervin defended Biles, calling out online trolls and reminding the public of gymnastics’ dangers. She recalled seeing teammates seriously injured during training, emphasizing that mental and physical health must come first.
Even some Russian columnists later acknowledged Simone Biles’ greatness, calling her “the greatest gymnast of all time” and noting that at full strength, she could not have been beaten.
Her example has also reignited discussions about mental health in other sports, including soccer, where players like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho faced racial abuse and mental strain after the 2021 European Championship. These incidents reveal an urgent need to prioritize athlete mental health across all disciplines.
The Legacy of Simone Biles
For many, Simone Biles stands as a symbol of bravery and authenticity—a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Her actions challenge outdated stigmas and pave the way for more compassionate conversations in sports and beyond.
In a world that often misunderstands mental illness, Biles’ story reminds us of one crucial truth: acknowledging mental health struggles is not weakness—it’s strength.
