Gymnast Simone Biles says the outpour of fan support has helped her realize she is “more than gymnastics.” Following her withdrawal from this year’s summer Olympic events, she received much support from her fans.
She’s gained support from Michael Phelps, Justin Bieber, and even Ronda Rousey, all of which praised her for pulling out of the events to attend to her mental health.
On Wednesday, the gymnast posted her appreciation and gratitude for the love and support she’s received, saying it “made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics, which I never truly believed before.”
On Tuesday, Biles withdrew from the USA Olympic gymnastics team finals, citing her mental health issues because she wasn’t able to perform at her best.
She also pulled out of Thursday’s all-around final to again put her mental health first.
“Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many,” USA Gymnastics said in support.
It’s unknown if the 24-year-old gymnast’s hiatus will remain until the end of the Tokyo games. There are still a few individual events remaining next week.
McKayla Maroney, a gymnastics legend, says she wouldn’t be surprised if Biles’ mental health issues will sideline her for a long time, if not forever.
“I’ve had a lot of experience with these mental blocks,” Maroney said. “They are miserable. They are a gymnast’s worst nightmare, and they can end your career.”
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