Simone Biles, the name that the netizens place alongside gymnastics, is well-known for something else as well. Attaining the title of a ‘mental health advocate’, Biles’ life is nothing less than an inspirational journey. At the recent 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, the 26-year-old strengthened her position as the GOAT. With a total of 58.399, Simone earned the 6th all-round World Title, paralleling herself with Uchimara Kohei. Moreover, besides accelerating the team performance for a gold finish, she earned the World Balance Beam and Floor gold as well.

As her therapist had quoted while defining Simone, she is driven “by her inner strength, the courage to overcome adversity.” At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 4X Olympic gold medalist saw her fans awaiting the best routine from her. But she couldn’t do anything even after the four gold finish in Rio 2016. The hardship of ‘Twisties’ had already consumed her, forcing her to withdraw. However, her therapy journey didn’t begin here.

Simone Biles’ therapist had her back

According to her therapist, the amount of resilience the Olympian had shown stands as an example for the budding athletes. Robert Andrews, the witness of Simone Biles’ highs and lows, supported her since 2013. At the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, the then 16-year-old had won four medals, including the all-round title. Therefore, with her 2023 Worlds win, her gymnastic career came to a full circle. In a conversation with Spanish media “Relevo”, Andrews opened up about fighting battles with a world-class athlete.

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While it sounds unlikely, but it’s true that “She wasn’t very sure of herself. Simone didn’t really believe in herself. That’s what we started to work on, helping her develop her confidence.” He also added that the woman of color didn’t believe in prospects until the mental health team empowered her. Though she was built for 5 golds in Rio, she managed only four. At a point, Andrews hired men to assist him to “take her foot off the accelerator or, in other words, not use so much energy.” For a gymnast of such a measure, to perfect a vault routine, self-control mattered. He also recapitulated an incident from some years ago when Biles tried to master a new skill, her signature YDP. He simply texted her, “Remember the concept of taking your foot off the gas.” 

Like Simone Biles credits her therapist, the latter did the same. He gave some useful insights into how the Olympian prioritized mental and physical health, keeping career aside.

Biles’ coaches as her pillar of strength

The French-American couple, Cecile and Laurent Landi, have been training Simone Biles at the WCC since 2017. Right after she called it quits with Aimee Boorman after the Rio, the 26-year-old chose her guiding stars. Having been professional gymnasts themselves, proper training techniques came naturally. They initially coached at the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy in Oklahoma. Recently, regarding Simone’s need of a spotter to prioritize safety, her coach stood by her throughout. After several obstructions from FIG, the coach-athlete duo emerged victorious. Landi said, “If I have to step out, I will step out. But it will be on her terms.” With this spirit, the Olympian could get her fifth skill, named as Biles II.

READ MORE: As Shilese Jones Challenges Simone Biles’ Supremacy, Another Little Star’s Message to the Rising Legend Goes Viral

As Simone Biles prepares for her Olympic return, both her coaches and her therapist have girded with the best techniques and advice.

Watch this story: With Apprehension for Paris Olympics in Air, Simone Biles Takes Her Next Steps After an Unreal Comeback