By Simone Biles, the renowned gymnastics star, has spent the past three years moving beyond the events of the Tokyo Olympics, even as she acknowledges that not everyone else has. As she prepares for her third Olympic appearance in Paris, Biles finds herself addressing lingering criticism from those unable to move past her decision to withdraw from multiple finals in Tokyo to protect her mental health.
Despite her continued success, including national titles and world championship victories, Biles recognizes that for some critics, she remains defined by the 2020 Games. The 27-year-old athlete candidly discusses encountering negative comments on social media, which she tries to ignore but inevitably encounters.
Biles emphasizes that her goals for the Paris Olympics are not about silencing her critics or proving anything to those who might be watching to see if she experiences “the twisties” again. Instead, she’s focused on her personal journey and growth as an athlete.
“They’ll still say like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to quit again? Or are you going to quit again?’ And like, and ‘If I did, what are you going to do about it? Tweet me some more?'” Biles remarked after winning the Olympic trials. “Like I’ve already dealt with it for three years. But yeah, they want to see us fail.”
The Simone Biles who will compete in Paris is not the same person who left Tokyo amidst discussions about mental health in sports. She has evolved, both as an athlete and a person, emphasizing that life continues to happen and change.
As she prepares for the qualifying rounds on July 28, Biles is focused on her performance and personal goals rather than external expectations or criticisms. Her journey highlights the ongoing conversation about athlete mental health and resilience in high-pressure environments.
Biles’ approach to the Paris Olympics demonstrates her maturity and growth since Tokyo, serving as an inspiration to athletes facing similar pressures and criticisms. As she steps onto the floor in Paris, she represents not just her athletic prowess but also the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports at the highest level.
