The four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles received immense backlash when she withdrew from multiple events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Where the public had expected a repeat of her performance in Rio that, in part, gave her the crown of the greatest of all time, Biles prioritized her mental health.

Biles’ move to pull out, however, would have been entirely impossible just a few decades in the past. The 1996 Olympic gold medalist Dominique Moceanu highlighted the difference in how athletes had to train back then.

Dominique Moceanu on changing perspectives in gymnastics

If we ask the 40-year-old retired gymnast, withdrawing from the Games simply “wasn’t an option in 1996.” Watching Simone Biles put herself before the expectations of the world was an experience for Dominique Moceanu. In an interview with the BBC, she shared her experience with trying to cope with the rigorous training and pressure that came with gymnastics.

“Simone’s decision has made me think about that time, and how there was no compassion, no care, and absolutely no voice,” said Moceanu. “I was not allowed to say I was in pain until I collapsed.” 

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At only 15, Moceanu was the youngest member of “The Magnificent Seven”. After incurring a stress fracture in her right tibia, she had to sit out the Olympic Trials. But she made the team on the strength of her Nationals scores. Every mistake struck fear in her for the consequences later on.

“You’d Be Lost”- Simone Biles Once Recalled on Her Withdrawal From 2020 Tokyo Olympics Was Justified

Afraid of getting scolded, Moceanu struggled with finding a moment to rest. “I used to almost feel like maybe I should get hurt so that I could rest,” she told the BBC. “All of the athletes started feeling like this, because we weren’t getting enough rest, and our bodies were paying the toll.”

Simone Biles made a daring step in Tokyo

Things have changed from Moceanu’s time. Simone Biles had the choice to withdraw, and despite the backlash, she also found support from her fans and fellow athletes alike. Notably, Biles’ decision to pull out followed a similar play by Naomi Osaka. 

The tennis champion refused to attend a post-match press conference after her first French Open win. This cost her a hefty $15,000 fine, and she subsequently withdrew from the tournament. She explained through Instagram that she had suffered bouts of depression since 2018.

Similarly, Biles’ withdrawal has encouraged many athletes to speak up about their struggles with mental health. The conversation has started and many high-profile athletes have set the ball rolling in easing the stigma surrounding these issues.

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With big names like Michael Phelps, Chloe Kim, Kevin Love, and Aaron Rodgers also opening up, we are seeing a shift in perspective on the physical and mental health of athletes across sports.