Before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Simone Biles became an incredible role model for her unmatched athletic ability and for her courage in speaking out about abusive coaches. She will now also be remembered for demonstrating the importance of mental well-being on athletic performance and in daily life. 

We should all take note of how this applies to our own lives.

Early reports that the greatest gymnast of all time had withdrawn from competition drew surprise and shock. After all, she is a champion! We saw the commercials and news stories ahead of the Olympics and convinced ourselves she was unstoppable. Indestructible. Practically super-human, as she performed stunts no one else is able to and prompted a scoring controversy.

But even a rubber band can only be stretched so far before it breaks. Real strength lies in recognizing when we are headed toward the breaking point and speaking up for ourself.

The reason for Biles’ withdrawal was initially described as medical condition. 

Then Simone posted on Instagram:

“I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard hahaha! The olympics is no joke!”

A couple days later we learned she was dealing with the "twisties," a term gymnasts use to describe losing their orientation while in midair. She explained at the time, I "literally cannot tell up from down."

Biles knew when to say no. She recognized if she pushed herself further, she could not perform well for her team and she was at risk of great bodily harm. 

She took care of herself and in doing so, took care of her team. She stepped into the role of mentor and coach and reminded us that a team is never about just one person. And that winning doesn’t require a gold medal.

When she was ready to return Biles focused on herself and her routine. She didn’t expect to win any medal, so the Bronze she won in the balance beam competition “was definitely sweeter.” She dedicated it to all Team USA for supporting her.

We are human beings, not human doings

After Biles’ initial withdrawal, I heard several athletes in post-competition interviews talking about the pressure of the games, the stress, and the relief they felt when their event was over.

Either I didn’t pay as close attention, or they didn’t talk about those things before.

I suspect they did in a smaller way, but Biles opened the door for them to put a finer point on it. And prompted us to pay closer attention to those statements.

The larger message? The athletes we glorify are human beings. They have families, challenges and heartbreaks just like the rest of us, yet we expect them to be perfect. All. the. time. 

In the past our society has flagged asking for help as a sign of weakness. But the person who knows themselves well enough to ask for help when it’s needed shows the ultimate display of strength.

I’ve written previously about the mental aspect of returning from injury. But there is a mental aspect every day to playing a sport. For that matter, there is a mental aspect every day for all of us, as we go to school, work and handle other responsibilities. Our state of mind will influence how we approach our day, how much effort we are capable of giving, and ultimately, how we feel about the results of our efforts.

Every day will not be the same

It’s very fitting that Bile’s won a medal on the balance beam. Balance. It’s what we all should strive for. On a daily basis when we can, but certainly over time. Writing has taught me that just because I’ve scheduled the time doesn’t mean it will be productive. On the days I struggle, I am better off switching gears and working on something else. Forcing myself to write when I am not in the right mindset rarely produces anything of quality.

Like Simone Biles, we all need to know when it’s time for a break. 

“For anyone saying I quit, I didn’t quit, my mind and body are simply not in sync as you can see here,” Biles wrote in an Instagram post. “I don't think you realize how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface. Nor do I have to explain why I put health first. Physical health is mental health.”

Next week’s topic: Parental pressure on young athletes

 Read about Simone Biles’ Olympic Journey

Simone Biles Dials Up the Difficulty, ‘Because I Can,’ by Juliet Macur, New York Times, May 24 and August 3, 2021

Simone Biles withdraws from team final: U.S. women win silver in gymnastics, by Elisha Fieldstadt, NBC News, July 27, 2021

Simone Biles withdraws from floor exercise, leaving only beam remaining on schedule, by Mark Osborne, ABC News, July 31, 2021

Simone Biles bounces back, wins bronze on balance beam, by Corky Siemaszko and Saphora Smith, NBC News, August 3, 2021