Setting the New 'Gold' Standard
Mental Health continues to take center stage as U.S Olympic gymnast Simone Biles recently withdrew from both the Women’s Gymnastics Team Finals and the Individual All-Around Gymnastics Competition this year. The decision comes as a surprise to some, as Biles is believed by many to be the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the sport. Many see her as infallible and someone who is just simply too good to experience this level of anxiety.
She already won. That part. #SimoneBiles pic.twitter.com/aBsDFmaskx
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) July 27, 2021
When asked about her mental health in a recent interview, Biles stated, “I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama was one of many to go to social media and voice their support towards the Olympian for her decision.
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA! 🎊
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
Biles is the newest addition to a growing list of athletes that have publicly prioritized their mental health over their sports.
Just last month we covered Naomi Osaka, the second ranked Women’s Tennis player in the world, who withdrew from the French Open due to experiencing anxiety and depression. “It’s O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K. to talk about it” said Osaka in a July interview that was written for Time Magazine.
I stand with Simone Biles.
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) July 27, 2021
I still stand with Naomi Osaka.
Your health and peace matters. You’re reminding Black women that we can take the space we need for ourselves.
Sha’Carri Richardson, who was set to run in the 100 meter dash for the US Women’s Olympic Team, was suspended in June for smoking marijuana. While the drug is against the rules, Richardson was taking it as a way to cope with the grief of losing her biological mother. In an interview done by NBC, Richardson admitted, “It sent me into a state of emotional panic… I didn’t know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time.”
While the nation continues to shift in a direction where mental health is taken seriously, these athletes seem to be leading the charge.
They are showing the entire world on the biggest stage possible that putting your mental health first is something to be applauded. Choosing yourself is the best decision you can make.