Simone Biles has emerged as a prominent figure in USA gymnastics, much like Mary Lou Retton did in the 1970s. While there have been other notable gymnasts since then, none have made the same cultural impact as Biles. She captivated audiences during the 2016 Rio Olympics and has remained in the limelight ever since, showcasing gravity-defying routines that seem almost superhuman. Therefore, her recent decision to withdraw from the Olympic team competition to prioritize her mental health has taken many by surprise. Some have reacted with anger, but the reality is that Simone Biles doesn’t owe anyone her athletic prowess—she has every right to look after herself.
Since the Olympic qualifiers, Biles has been performing below her extraordinary standards. Competing at such a high level while worrying about COVID-19 must be incredibly challenging. Although she’s likely vaccinated, that’s not the central issue. She’s striving to perform her best, and not everyone wants to see her succeed. Biles executes moves that no one else can, not even male gymnasts, which has led to envy and attempts to undermine her achievements. The difficulty of her routines often surpasses that of her competitors, and she has openly acknowledged that she’s being judged unfairly to level the playing field. “They don’t want the field to be too far apart. And that’s just something that’s on them. That’s not on me,” she remarked in a May interview with The New York Times.
The mental strain of competing under such circumstances must be immense. Imagine having to perform complex moves on a global stage, all while knowing that your talent is not being fully recognized simply because others fall short. Why should she be expected to dim her brilliance to make less skilled athletes feel better? While we may not know the full extent of what led to her mental health break, it’s clear that these pressures play a significant role.
In an interview with a journalist, Biles expressed that part of her motivation to continue competing in gymnastics was to ensure that USA Gymnastics fulfills its commitment to investigating sexual abuse within the organization, particularly concerning former team doctor Larry Nassar. “If there weren’t a remaining survivor in the sport they would’ve just brushed it to the side,” she stated. Among the women who reported abuse, Biles is the only one still actively competing, and she feels a strong responsibility to keep the issue in the public eye. “I think they’re just gonna try to hide it, sweep it under the rug and hopefully people kind of forgive and forget. Because if it’s not talked about, then they’re like, ‘OK, we can move on,’” she added. “Stuff doesn’t just blow over.”
Black women often feel a sense of obligation to the very systems that have harmed them. The backlash against Biles exemplifies this, with many criticizing her for stepping back from a competition she didn’t have to participate in. It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but few can truly appreciate the challenges she faces.
Simone Biles, regardless of medals, is a hero for recognizing her limits and establishing boundaries. Unfortunately, many believe athletes shouldn’t have the right to make such choices. The expectation is that they simply compete, disregarding their personal well-being—especially true for Black athletes. They are often expected to perform without acknowledgment of their humanity, and the criticism directed towards Biles is a reflection of this.
The prevailing attitude in American culture emphasizes relentless pursuit, pushing oneself to the limit as a badge of honor. This mindset can be detrimental, especially when it comes to mental health. Comparisons to Kerri Strug’s famous vault in 1996, where she performed despite an injury, are misplaced. While Strug’s moment was iconic, it shouldn’t be used to diminish Biles’s decision to prioritize her health. Competing injured is not something to glorify.
Gymnastics is an incredibly dangerous sport; any misstep can lead to serious injury or worse. Mental fortitude is just as crucial as physical ability, if not more so. The Olympics are ongoing, and Biles may still participate in individual events, but if she chooses not to, that’s her prerogative. Only she knows what’s best for her. It’s easy for us to speculate on what we would do in her shoes, but the truth is we can’t fully understand her experience. Let’s respect her choices and recognize her as the greatest of all time.
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Summary:
Simone Biles has become a symbol of excellence in gymnastics, but her decision to prioritize mental health over competition has sparked controversy. As the only remaining survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse still competing, Biles feels a deep responsibility to advocate for change within USA Gymnastics. The pressure she faces, particularly as a Black woman, highlights the expectations placed on athletes to perform at all costs. Ultimately, Biles’s choice to step back underscores the importance of mental well-being, reminding us that athletes are human beings first.
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