Tokyo Olympics: Simon Biles exit paves way for open discussions on mental health

Simone Biles’ withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics left the world stunned. The four-time Olympics Gold medallist stressed the importance of preserving one’s mental health and cited it as the reason for her exit. Her comment came as the Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka opened up about the mental health struggles she faced at the Olympics. While it has been shocking for the world to see their favourite sportspersons withdrawing or exiting the games, this has put a spotlight on mental health. 

Simone Biles is arguably one of the best gymnasts in the world. A sexual assault survivor, the American gymnast left the competition early after a rare stumble on the vault. She came back only to cheer her teammates from the sidelines. She said in a statement, “I just never felt like this going into a competition before. I tried to go out here and have fun, and warm up in the back went a little bit better, but once I came out here I was like, ‘No, mental is not there.”

She added, “I didn’t want to do something silly out there and get injured. So I thought it was best if these girls took over and did the rest of the job, which they absolutely did.”

Simone Biles further spoke about the need to “protect our minds and our bodies,”, adding, “We are people, at the end of the day.” The tennis player talked about how the Olympics this year were stressful and not as fun as they should have been. 

Her stance on mental health drew attention. Some of it came as praise, while a few accused her of using it as an excuse for her subpar performance. 

However, her move has paved the way for a change in the way mental health is dealt with in the field of sports. 

2016 Olympic hockey medallist, Sam Quek spoke on BBC TV, “She has laid down a foundation for so many athletes and people around the world to say, “In this moment in time, inside, something didn’t feel right”. She had the bravery and the courage to pull out of the event. We talk about mental health and physical health. They are both just as important as each other.”

“Simone could have hid in the background. But she didn’t. She put her tracksuit back on, got out there and stood and clapped her team-mates. That, to me, is a champion,” he added. 

British gymnast Sam Oldham praised her move and told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat how Stopping and saying ‘there’s something wrong, I need help’ is a huge step and that she has given a positive message to the aspiring athletes about the importance of mental health over everything. 

Many other sports celebrities have now found an outlet to let go of their inhibitions in talking about mental health. After all, mental and physical fitness is above and beyond bringing a medal home. Although it takes bravery and courage, Simone Biles’ withdrawal has become something of a boost for the athletes in changing the way the sports industry looks at an individual’s mental health.