When Simone Biles made the unexpected decision to withdraw from several key events at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, her choice sent shockwaves through the sports world. As a gymnast who had dominated the sport with a stunning four-gold-medal performance at her debut Olympics, fans and media alike had expected her to continue collecting gold in Tokyo. Yet, Biles’s decision to step back to protect her mental health not only sparked conversation but also ignited a movement within gymnastics and beyond.
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who was one of Biles’s primary competitors in Tokyo, spoke about the lasting impact of Biles’s courage. As she recently revealed in a Vogue Brazil interview, Biles’s stand made a crucial difference for elite gymnasts everywhere. Reflecting on the pressures gymnasts face, Andrade commented, “For many years, gymnasts from other generations were treated like robots—they couldn’t cry in pain or vent about a family problem: it was just gymnastics.” Biles’s openness about the “twisties,” a disorienting mental block gymnasts face, empowered others to prioritize mental wellness without fear of being judged.
Andrade’s words echo a new mentality that is reshaping gymnastics. Biles’s actions, while controversial at the time, allowed the next generation of athletes to feel validated in their concerns. “They understood that it’s no use just looking good on the outside, that we need to feel safe in our family and sports environment,” Andrade noted. Biles’s stance pushed gymnastics organizations to reconsider their treatment of athletes and implement measures to create safer environments for mental and physical well-being.
In the past, the gymnastics world emphasized relentless pursuit, sometimes at the expense of athletes’ health. One iconic example is Kerri Strug’s performance at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where she vaulted despite a severe ankle injury to secure the gold for Team USA. Strug’s perseverance remains legendary, yet it also underscores the intense pressure gymnasts have endured to meet expectations, even when at risk of serious injury.
For Andrade, Biles’s choice represents a paradigm shift, moving away from a culture that praises medal count above all else. “Our results on the stage today are a consequence,” Andrade explained, highlighting that her achievements are as much a product of mental well-being as of physical training. This philosophy resonates with gymnasts who now see a clearer path to health and success that doesn’t sacrifice one for the other. Biles’s bravery showed them that even the strongest athletes are human and deserve the right to advocate for their needs.
The impact of Biles’s decision has been felt far beyond gymnastics. Fellow athletes, celebrities, and public figures from all walks of life applauded her choice to prioritize her health. Aly Raisman, a former teammate, openly voiced her support, while others from outside gymnastics, like singer Justin Bieber, praised Biles’s courage. “Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face,” Bieber wrote, resonating with Biles’s struggle after canceling his Purpose Tour to address his own mental health needs. Even actor Andrew Garfield cited Biles as inspiration for taking a break from acting to focus on his well-being.
Biles’s influence has not only changed the conversation in sports but also extended into the broader cultural dialogue about mental health. Her actions are a powerful reminder that even the most skilled and disciplined athletes must prioritize their inner well-being. In Tokyo, Andrade rose to the occasion, becoming a breakout star in Biles’s absence. Yet, Andrade remains deeply appreciative of the path Biles paved, acknowledging her for making it possible for gymnasts to express vulnerability and prioritize health without fear of criticism.
In an increasingly competitive world, where success is often valued over personal well-being, the courage Biles demonstrated has granted permission to countless athletes to prioritize themselves over their performance. Andrade’s words echo this sentiment as she reiterates that change has taken root in gymnastics. Athletes are no longer simply performers on the mat; they are human beings deserving of respect and compassion. Thanks to Biles, athletes across the globe now feel empowered to prioritize safety, health, and happiness as essential aspects of their journey to success.
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