The mental health of athletes is a secret battleground in gymnastics, where strength and elegance have frequently taken the limelight.?The incredible flips and gravity-defying feats sometimes overshadow a distinct set of difficulties. Over the years more gymnasts have taken up the stage to address this unseen conflict that underneath the glitz and glamour, athletes fight inner fights that need just as much fortitude.

The newest ally spurring the talks is Aly Raisman, the first American gymnast to win a gold medal in the floor event. She’s also well-known for leading the gold-medalist U.S. women’s gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016. She even advised Simone Biles of the athletic pressure earlier. In a recent appearance, the third-most-decorated gymnast of all time spoke about her pressure-induced spot during her career.

Gymnastics icon opens up about tough times

With a heart full of contentment, Raisman said goodbye to gymnastics after making a lasting impression at the Olympics and World Championships. Earlier, the Olympic gold medallist publicly said that she was happy with her decision to end her professional gymnastics career. Recently, she shared an insightful address at the Delta Gamma lectureship, which was organized by the Durham Panhellenic Delta Gamma sorority and the Duke University Union.

Candidly addressing the pressures that come hand-in-hand with Olympic glory, she said, ?People didn’t watch us compete to watch us get second, and we felt that pressure when we were competing.? Raisman discussed her experience competing in the 2012 Olympics as one of the “Fierce Five,” a colloquial moniker for the squad. “Her teammates and all the fun times [they] had together,” she said, summarizing one of the most thrilling aspects of her career.

However, earlier when she spoke about her journey she said, ?I think when I was a gymnast, I just had to push myself so much that I don?t miss the intensity of training.? Aside from her athletic success, Raisman is a known name in support of body positivity, mental health, and the prevention of sexual assault.

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Raisman came forward as one of the victims of sexual assault committed by Larry Nassar, the former physician for the U.S. national team, in 2017. In the talk, she was quite open about her disclosure: ?I had no idea how much support I would receive or how much support so many of my teammates,? she stated, emphasizing her goal to ?normalize these conversations.? After setting her records straight on the mats, Raisman also moved to explore other exceptional roles.

Aly Raisman’s additional endeavors

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Raisman has written several books. Her autobiography “Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything” and her upcoming children’s book “From My Head to My Toes” are two examples of her literary works that bear witness to her unwavering commitment to educating and empowering the next generation.

Her most recent “no makeup” campaign with Aerie also serves as a painful reminder of the constant pressures that are spread via the social media space, highlighting the significance of authenticity and self-acceptance. Raisman’s focus on the need to give mental health first priority resonated throughout her talk.

She emphasized the value of positive self-talk, self-care, and the freeing process of accepting one’s weaknesses while promoting an environment of transparency and understanding.

Watch this story In the Wake of World Championship Glory, Simone Biles Forges Ahead To Redefine Greatness