Simone Biles. "I’m Not Perfect, and That’s Okay for Me,"

Simone Biles is a US gymnast who is considered one of the greatest gymnasts to date. She has won 30+ medals in the Olympics and in the World Championships, which is in itself a world record because this number is more than any other gymnast in history.

Despite being a World champion, she faced some accusations of being cowardly and weak due to her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

She gave a reason for her withdrawal: she is suffering from mental health issues and will not be able to perfume well. She spoke bluntly about her decision to make her mental health her priority. In an interview with Jane Francisco, editorial director for Hearst Lifestyle Group, she stated that:

“From that experience, I learned how courageous and strong I was because it truly takes strength to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay and to kind of take a step back and protect your mental well-being. So that's what I did.”

Besides a few allegations she Receives appreciation and praise for her bold decision and her acceptance of her weaknesses and limitations. In another interview with the New York Times, she cited that:

"I know I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. I’m a human, and I’m going to make mistakes. But I will keep fighting, and I’m going to keep trying."

She further added in the same interview that:

"I think that we’re just starting to see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mental health in sports."

Her decision has sparked international debate regarding the mental health challenges encountered by athletes off the field, and there is a need to address them with immediate concern.

Moreover, the Gymnastics of the Olympics and the Olympics as a whole were impacted by Biles' exit. Since she is regarded as one of the most prominent gymnastics figures in the world, her absence from the competition created a vacuum that illustrated the enormous pressure athletes experience on the grand stage. As a result, this whole event inspired the global audience to consider mental wellness in sports and how support systems need to be improved.

Mental health in sports got a boost after Biles made her decision. Coaches, competitors, and stakeholders have begun recognising the ongoing challenges and stigma around offering assistance for mental well-being issues. After Biles' bravery, competitors have called for mental health resources and support.

Recognising the critical need to address this issue, the International Olympic Committee took a proactive step by setting up a dedicated mental well-being force. This task force is mainly set up to create comprehensive approaches and activities that improve the mental well-being of all sportspeople on and off the field. By designating more assets for mental health well-being investigation and instruction, the IOC is showing its commitment to cultivating a more advantageous environment for athletes at all levels.

Hence, this event by Simone Biles gives a lesson that we must give mental health the same footing as we give to physical health. Because when it comes to sports, they both go hand in hand. Promotion of mental health education and removing stigmas related to mental health through awareness drives can provide a climate in which the athletes can thrive not only on the field but also in their personal lives.