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Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States in action on the vault. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Photo SEARCH “OLYMPICS DAY 5” FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS EDITOR’S CHOICE, SEARCH “REUTERS OLYMPICS TOPIX” FOR ALL EDITOR’S CHOICE PICTURES.
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States in action on the vault. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Photo SEARCH “OLYMPICS DAY 5” FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS EDITOR’S CHOICE, SEARCH “REUTERS OLYMPICS TOPIX” FOR ALL EDITOR’S CHOICE PICTURES.
What Simone Biles does at the vault or the beam is insanely tough. However, does that mean she is invincible? Surely not. She is just as human as the rest of us, except with extraordinary talents and skills. Though all she can think about sometimes is death, and that has become an integral part of her routine.
Simone Biles is one of the most influential athletes of the century. Her contribution to gymnastics has been unparalleled, but what she did at the Tokyo Games will be her legacy when she departs from the sport. She has inspired a generation of athletes and professionals by standing up for herself against all odds. Her firm stance on mental health has helped give a voice to millions of people prioritizing themselves over everything else in life.
Sometimes deadly thoughts get the best of Simone Biles
Soon to be married, Biles always has a lot on her mind. However, during training, she has these specific thoughts going on in her head.
She said, “So, I’m gonna be honest. Most of the negative talk in my head is like so when you are gonna die? Like if you try this routine you are gonna die. That’s sometimes what I tell myself…I’m like just try not to die on this turn.”
Though whenever it happens, she tries to calm herself down by saying, “okay I have done this so many times, you’re not gonna die. There’s no way you could die.”
READ MORE – “I’m a Veteran”- Simone Biles Continues to Mentor Gymnastics Wunderkinds Despite Staying Away From Sport
Also, “so many people tell me like I’m immortal, so I’m like there’s no way,” she added.
Is this a trick for her to stay focused?
Some people like to think about death as a tormenting notion, while for others, it’s a way to focus on the present moment. What it is for Biles only she can say. However, the fact that our life has an expiry date is what makes it interesting in the first place. What makes it a great experience is that it ends.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 25: Simone Biles of Team United States competes on balance beam during Women’s Qualification on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
To be able to identify that and live every moment as if it’s your last is perhaps the greatest virtue anyone can ever have.
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