I feel bad for Simone Biles.
The G.O.A.T. of gymnastics withdrew from the women’s team gymnastics final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Tuesday, citing mental heath concerns as she attempts to protect “her body and mind.” Here is a portion of the reason she pulled out:
“Whenever you get in a high stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being. It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head.”
She was in tears when she gave her explanation. Oh, and she also talked about battling demons in her head.
“I just don’t trust myself as much as I used to. After the performance that I did, I didn’t want to go into the other events so I thought I would take a step back.”
Somehow this led to too many trolls who usually suck at life to attack Biles, calling her a “quitter” among other unsavory things.
People have no idea of the pressure Olympians face while performing.
Imagine training for four years for an event that last seconds. Track and field, swimming, and gymnastics are examples of that.
Add to gymnastics the nuance of perfection and how missing a spot or mistiming a jump or placement that is the difference between winning and not only losing but possible injury. If I were any gymnast, that would freak me the hell out. I’m surprised more gymnasts don’t get freaked out.
If an athlete’s, especially an Olympian, mental health is not sharp, success would be hard to achieve. It appears that Biles is not in the best place mentally, and if that will hinder her and her team’s success, then she has to do what is best for both.
And before you losers bash Biles some more, remember the great Michael Phelps? He suffered from depression and had thoughts of suicide during the prime of his career, which led him to retire TWICE. Did any of you call Phelps ‘weak’ and a ‘quitter’?
I didn’t think so…
Categories: Olympics
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