Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics Artistic Training – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Simone Biles of the United States during training REUTERS/File Photo
Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics Artistic Training – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Simone Biles of the United States during training REUTERS/File Photo
Simone Biles has fought past a life full of struggle and is regarded as the GOAT of gymnastics today, deservingly so. Even though just 24-years-old, she is one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world.
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Biles is not only famous for her magical moves, but also for being a prominent advocate of mental health. She inspired athletes all around the world, announcing her withdrawal from most of her events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health concerns.
Simone Biles’ letter
Recently, the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl, and Biles could not have missed the opportunity of doing something noteworthy. Off-late, the GOAT of gymnastics has been dealing with mental health issues and has even opened up about the same.
Albeit Simone is a powerful woman. Even though she did not compete in all events at Tokyo Olympics 2020, citing mental health issues, she did not come back home empty-handed. Biles clinched two new medals, taking her Olympic tally to 7.
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Beam – Medal Ceremony – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – August 3, 2021. Gold medallist Guan Chenchen of China, silver medallist Tang Xijing of China and bronze medallist Simone Biles of the United States pose with medals. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson
On the International Day of the Girl, Simone wrote a beautiful letter to her younger self. The letter said, “Dear Simone, You will encounter many challenges, but they will make you stronger. Never doubt your strength as an athlete and as a woman?your voice is more powerful than you know. You are enough.”
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An inspiration for young women
At her maiden Olympics, the young gymnast clinched five medals in all the five events she competed in. Coming to Tokyo Olympics 2020, Biles was the American favorite to clinch all the top positions. However, she withdrew mid-way as she experiencing a case of ‘twisties’.
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USA’s Simone Biles in the Women’s Balance Beam Final at Ariake Gymnastic Centre on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Picture date: Tuesday August 3, 2021. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
In a world where athletes are taught to push themselves to the extreme, Simone said no, and that was courageous. Athletes suffer from a lot of pressure, and that can lead to extreme mental health issues. However, Biles’ decision has opened a door for many athletes to follow and prioritize their mental health above everything, including success.
2021 has been an eventful year in the gymnast’s life. She is currently touring on the Gold Over American Tour, traveling through 35 cities, wowing people with her astonishing moves. What are your predictions for Simone in 2022?
Also read: ?I Love Her?: Simone Biles Details Her Meeting With Billie Eilish at Met Gala 2021
