Simone Biles: Breaking Barriers in Gymnastics and Mental Health (2024)

By Oliver Wiener August 06, 2024 07:37

Photo by Naomi Baker / Getty Images

Simone Biles has transcended the boundaries of gymnastics to become a symbol of unparalleled strength, resilience, and courage both on and off the mat. As one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, Biles' career is studded with awe-inspiring achievements and record-breaking performances that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond her physical prowess, Simone Biles has played a pivotal role in challenging and changing the discourse around mental health in sports, acting as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for athletes worldwide. Her decision to prioritize her well-being at the peak of competition has opened new avenues for honest conversations about the mental struggles elite athletes face. This feature aims to shed light on Simone Biles' remarkable journey through the world of gymnastics and her courageous advocacy for mental health.

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Simone Biles' Accomplishments in Gymnastics

Biles turned professional in 2013 after she won her two first all-around titles at the Plata Mundial and US Classic. She then made her Olympic debut as a member of Team USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where she took home gold medals in a team event as captain. She won the all-around, then vault and floor exercise to illustrate how good she was in every discipline.

Biles' legacy only solidified in 2018 at the World Championships, where she won six gold medals in floor exercise and vault alone, with bronze on the balance beam. In 2019, she guided Team USA to its fifth successive World Championships title in Stuttgart and added five gold medals to her world-leading tally of 25 podium finishes at worlds.

Biles won her 21st world championship gold medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, last night to claim a sixth all-around title. Her win made her the most successful gymnast, male or female, in the overall history of both the Olympics and the World Championships.

Dominance in the Sport

Biles is without equal in her field. She has been a US National Champion multiple times, most recently winning her record eighth title in August 2023 and becoming the first American gymnast to achieve this feat. It speaks volumes to her commitment and proficiency that she can continue being the best after even taking time off for mental health reasons. Biles is now a transcendent figure in the sport, one that will have an impact on gymnastics for decades.

Biles Stands up for Mental Health

2020 Tokyo Olympics

Biles' withdrawal from multiple events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics about her mental health was a landmark moment in sports history; Biles blamed feeling she lacked "air awareness" and the emotional toll it was taking on her, placing her well-being ahead of the competition.

Biles said, "If anyone says I quit… No, I am not quitting; my mind and body are just misaligned." Her honest admission of the difficulties she faced struck a chord with many, shining a light on the strain athletes endure and why airing out personal issues is so important.

Biles' Display of Courage

At the elite level, Biles' actions have gone a long way in stripping away any stigma attached to mental health issues. As she speaks out on her struggles, others feel more encouraged to reach for help, learning that this is okay. An environment where athletes know they can ask for support without the fear of judgment stands fostered within their community.

The influence that Biles' advocacy holds transcends gymnastics. Since then, athletes from different sports have opened up about their struggles with mental health in the wake of her bravery. This change is crucial to fostering a culture of care and high performance in which mental well-being is acknowledged as a fundamental factor for overall performance.

Bile Actions and the Nature of Legacies

Influence on Other Athletes

Several athletes have spoken out about the importance of mental health after Biles withdrew from competition. Her inheritance of withdrawing from competition has encouraged others to speak up about their struggle and seek help whenever needed. This is supported by professional athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps, who have recently begun talking about their mental health struggles, which has led to an increase in the focus on mental wellness within sports.

The effects of what Biles did continue to resonate as more and more athletes come forward with their struggles and share how they feel mentally. The change is vital to erasing the stigma of mental health issues and building a culture of acceptance in sports.

How the Legacy of Biles will be Remembered

The most decorated gymnast in history,Bileshas taken the idea of excellence to another level with her many blossoming achievements and creative routines. In recent months, Biles has emerged as a strong voice for mental health in sports, breaking the stigma and encouraging others to put their well-being above all else.

She has gone from surviving to thriving, and her path is symbolic of what so many have had to endure as athletes, one who overcame adversity not only in competition but also turned the battles into a platform for change. Biles' effect will be felt deeply as the sports landscape changes, changing gymnastics and conversation around mental health in sports.

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