Celebrated champion gymnast Simone Biles has never failed to amaze Olympics viewers across the globe, and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics were anything but an exception. Last Tuesday (July 27), Biles announced her withdrawal from the team and individual gymnastics competition due to one incredibly powerful reason: her personal mental health. The psychological struggles facing athletes are magnified when placed in the state at which Simone Biles has been in. As a record-breaking five-time Olympic medalist, her global stage holds a significant level of pressure, stress, and self-doubt. Biles showed admirable strength, courage, and vulnerability when she withdrew from the competition to focus on healing her soul, which has bore so much weight over the years. Her actions proved how hard it is not to crumble under the pressure put on individuals everyday. Her actions challenged the mere notion of mental health stigma. Her actions represented millions of people, whose unheard cries will finally, finally be recognized.
Sparkies 