“Michael Has Reached Out”: Simone Biles Says USA Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Offered Her Help

Published 08/04/2021, 2:31 AM EDT

The issues regarding mental health have been well documented. Moreover, many athletes are taking their stand and withdrawing from major international tournaments and sporting events. Recently, Simone Biles withdrew from the gymnastics events at Tokyo Olympics 2020 and received widespread support from people all over the world.

There is an ongoing trend with athletes taking a better stand on mental health issues, and laying down the social stigma regarding the problem.

Simone Biles gets support from Michael Phelps

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Likewise, Biles spoke about the support received in a recent interview.

“I think so. I think it’s helpful, especially having somebody who has gone through it and knows and Michael has reached out as well because has been through it, Naomi reached out as well, she has been through it. So it’s been really nice to have their support.”

"Put your mental health first. … That's more important than any other medal you could win."
Simone Biles on what she took away from the #TokyoOlympics
(via @NBCOlympics)pic.twitter.com/9YZ1nx61BA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 4, 2021

“Oprah, a lot of people have reached out like, a lot of people, it’s been insane,” said Biles.

Biles commented on Phelps reaching out to her during her recent problems.

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Even though Phelps dominated the swimming scene for years, the GOAT had his own problems as well. He is a big advocate for mental health issues and spoke about athletes’ pressure and expectations in major tournaments. As gymnastics, with all the flips and jumps, is dangerous, athletes need to be in the right frame of mind during events. Thus, her decision to withdraw from the event made complete sense.

Notably, Oprah and Naomi Osaka are the other famous personalities who have voiced their support for the famous gymnast.

Biles wins the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics

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Despite missing out on the team’s artistic gymnastics events, Biles returned for the beam finals and won the bronze medal. It was quite a splendid return, followed by a victory that meant the world to her.

In chat with Mike Tirico on NBC.
Also… Oprah reached out, too. So, you know, that's a minor name drop.
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) August 4, 2021

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As the importance of being in the right frame of mind is important for an athlete, Biles’ decision was her biggest victory. The bronze medal was Biles’ seventh Olympic medal. With her third-place finish, she equaled Shannon Miller’s record for an American gymnast.

WATCH THIS STORY- Top 10 Moments of Olympic Sporting Spirit

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.

“Michael Has Reached Out”: Simone Biles Says USA Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Offered Her Help

Simone Biles gets support from Michael Phelps

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Biles wins the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics