Simone Biles proves that mental health competes too

Simone Biles is a global gymnastics icon—the kind of athlete who’s won just about everything. Her collection includes Olympic medals, world titles, and records that seem written in another language. But Biles’ most powerful decision wasn’t wrapped in a perfect routine. It came in the form of a bold withdrawal from the Tokyo 2021 Games that shook the sports world.

During those Olympics, Simone Biles faced the “twisties”—a mental block that creates dangerous disorientation mid-air. The condition disconnects mind from body, turning a routine flip into a risky plunge.

Instead of ignoring the warning signs, Simone Biles did something radical: she pulled out. Not because she wasn’t prepared, but because she chose to protect her mental health. “I learned how courageous and strong I really am,” Biles later said—a statement that became a rallying cry for countless athletes dealing with invisible battles.

Simone Biles and the mental game

Since then, Simone Biles has committed to regular therapy and openly speaks about her experience with anxiety. She’s helped redefine what it means to be a champion. That’s why Biles’ preparation for Paris 2024 hasn’t just involved physical training—it’s been guided by a new philosophy: compete, but don’t lose yourself in the process.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida de Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead)

At 27, Simone Biles isn’t trying to prove anything to the world. She’s focused on proving to herself that she can rediscover joy in the sport that made her a household name. And she’s succeeding. In her return to competition, Biles has shown solid routines, leadership, and a maturity that reaches far beyond podium finishes. Her performance proves that gold isn’t just about physical skill.

Through this journey, Simone Biles is teaching fellow athletes that sports can also be a space for healing—for growth—and for saying “I’m not okay” without it being seen as weakness. In fact, that brave choice and the visibility Biles has given to what athletes face behind the scenes are what truly make her a champion with a legacy that transcends trophies.