The Tokyo Olympics took yet another shocking turn as ace gymnast Simone Biles decided to withdraw from the team all-round finals, leaving Team USA without its best player. Despite her absence, the women were able to win the silver medal, second to the Russian Olympic Committee.?
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Although many suspected injury, Biles later confirmed that it was due to mental health issues, and she decided to withdraw for her safety and for the good of the team. Following this, the gymnast has received tremendous support not only from her own country but from the world.?
In a recent tweet, French and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba also sent his good wishes out to Simone Biles. ?A moment of undeniable strength from Simone Biles,? he wrote. ?We always focus on the physical aspect of health but the mental aspect is just as important. When you take care of both, you will flourish in life!?
A moment of undeniable strength from @simone_biles. We always focus on the physical aspect of health but the mental aspect is just as important. When you take care of both, you will flourish in life! ❤️🤍💙#SimoneBiles GOAT 🐐
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) July 28, 2021
As a soccer player, Paul Pogba himself has been through rough patches in his career, that still has plenty to give. The world-cup winner had a tough time adapting to Manchester United and still seems like a fish out of water compared to his form playing for France. However, he powers through and still manages to earn his keep in the club.?
Mental Health has emerged as a creeping issue in the sports world
Pogba and Biles are not alone in this regard, and mental health has emerged as a serious issue in athletes all over the world. Many suffer from depression and anxiety due to constant training and the heavy expectations placed on them.
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States during the Women’s Team Final REUTERS/Mike Blake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Furthermore, the immense pressure of a lifetime of training coming down to one event proves too overbearing, and this is precisely what got to Simone Biles. Apart from the heavy expectations of winning a clean sweep of gold medals, she was also the leader of her team and had a reputation to keep as the most decorated gymnast of all time.?
The weight on her shoulders was definitely more than she wanted and the result brought to light a creeping issue. American Swimming legend Michael Phelps also urged the public to take a deeper interest in this topic and to be more supportive. The tremendous support Biles has received in this time may just motivate her to go the distance in the individual events.
