Simone Biles Olympic Exit Isn’t Just About Mental Illness

A Subject Many Athletes Deal With

Simone Biles announced that she would not be competing in the first two gymnastics individuals. It appears she will perform on balance beam next week. Questions are looming on exactly what happened.

While Biles admits she is physically fine, she cannot say the same for her frame of mind.

The Danger in Gymnastics
I do not want to dimmish the existence of mental illness in anyone, especially someone who is constantly trying to live up to the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) references, expected to lead her team while winning a half dozen gold medals, and dealing with a history of sexual abuse. Athletes with a lot less pressure have had similar issues, but in the case of Simone Biles, we need to also think about what she does.

Gymnastics was the first sport I ever did. I enjoyed training and practicing, and while it was clear early on that I wasn’t going to be good enough for any competition, I still managed to work hard enough to produce bruises and sprains. It was a whole different experience when I was doing cartwheels and turns on the balance beam to the multiple handsprings and aerial dismounts Olympic athletes do.