Simone Biles on Mental Health [View all]
Simone Biles, who made a triumphant, bronze medal-winning return Tuesday after withdrawing from previous Olympic events, has become a model for mental health awareness.
Biles, the most decorated active gymnast in the world and a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, prioritized her well-being over an audience hungry for her performance, withdrawing from the team final and the individual all-around competition because she had "to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health."
(snip)
On withdrawing at the Olympics
“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”
On dealing with loss
"Two days ago, I woke up and my aunt unexpectedly passed, and it wasn't any easier being here at the Olympic Games," Biles told reporters after placing in the beam event, per the official Olympics website. "At the end of the day, people don't understand what we are going through."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/08/03/simone-biles-wins-bronze-her-most-powerful-mental-health-quotes/5452785001
________________________________________________________________________________-
I went through all kinds of stuff when I was her age. I can't imagine doing it in front of the whole world........
= new reply since forum marked as read