Simone Biles shares her take on mental health (via Getty)
Discover Simone Biles’ inspiring new perspective on mental health, where she champions self-care, vulnerability, and true strength in both sports and life.
The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, has recently shared her fresh take on the importance of mental health. Widely hailed as a legendary figure in the sports arena, Biles boasts an extraordinary career with 11 Olympic medals—seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes—and an astonishing collection of 30 world championship medals, which includes 23 golds, 4 silvers, and 3 bronzes. Beyond her unparalleled achievements in gymnastics, she has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness.
Her personal struggles, notably dealing with the “twisties” that forced her to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics, have made her a beacon of resilience and a vocal supporter of prioritizing emotional well-being. With that being said, let’s delve into her recent insights on mental health.
Embracing vulnerability: Simone Biles’ candid conversation on mental wellbeing
Simone Biles has always demonstrated that even the most accomplished athletes are not immune to mental health challenges. In her recent discussion, she emphasized that mental health is just as crucial as physical fitness. Biles reminded the world that the pressure of constant public scrutiny and the relentless demands of elite sports can take a significant toll on an athlete’s psychological state. By speaking out, she has helped shatter the myth that champions are invincible, reinforcing the idea that acknowledging vulnerability is a sign of true strength.
Biles explained how years of intense training and competition not only sculpt the body but also create a mental strain that often goes unrecognized. She articulated that the pursuit of excellence comes with hidden burdens—stress, anxiety, and the weight of expectations—that can adversely affect performance and overall happiness. Her openness about experiencing the “twisties,” a disorienting mental block that disrupts a gymnast’s spatial awareness in midair, serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges athletes face off the mat.
Moreover, Biles’ willingness to prioritize her mental health has spurred a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive support systems within sports organizations. She has called for increased access to mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, not just for athletes but for everyone coping with high-pressure environments.
“I’ve learned that taking care of my mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Biles stated (via The Teen Mag), emphasizing that self-care and emotional well-being should never be sidelined in the pursuit of success.
By sharing her experiences, Simone Biles is redefining what it means to be a role model. Her message is clear: real strength is found in acknowledging one’s struggles and seeking help when needed. This candid perspective is inspiring not only for athletes but for individuals from all walks of life, encouraging a more compassionate and supportive approach to mental health in today’s fast-paced world.
