Simone Biles has emerged as a prominent figure in USA gymnastics, much like Mary Lou Retton did back in the ’70s. Although there have been other notable gymnasts since then, none have had the same profound impact as Biles, who captivated audiences during the 2016 Rio Olympics and has remained in the limelight ever since. With her incredible ability to defy gravity, her fame and talent often seem superhuman. This makes her recent choice to withdraw from the Olympic team competition for the sake of her mental health all the more surprising to many. While some express anger over her decision, it’s essential to remember that Simone Biles doesn’t owe anyone her performance. She has every right to prioritize her well-being.
Since the Olympic qualifiers, Biles has not performed at her usual exceptional level. Competing at the top of her game is challenging when there’s constant worry about catching Covid. While she is likely vaccinated, that isn’t the crux of the matter. Additionally, the pressure to maintain her extraordinary standards can be overwhelming, and there seems to be a sentiment among some that they don’t want her to excel. Biles executes moves that surpass those of any competitor, including male gymnasts. Consequently, it’s evident that some people harbor jealousy over her abilities, leading them to undermine her accomplishments.
The difficulty of Biles’ routines earns her higher scores than her competitors, yet she has pointed out that judges often score her unfairly to level the playing field. “They don’t want the field to be too far apart. And that’s just something that’s on them. That’s not on me,” she stated to The New York Times in May. Imagine the mental strain of having to perform such challenging moves on the grandest stage, all while knowing that her talents are not fully recognized. Why should she have to dim her brilliance to make others feel better about their skills? Although we may not know all the reasons behind her need for a mental health break, it’s fair to say that this situation plays a significant role.
In April, Biles shared in an interview that her continued participation in gymnastics is partly motivated by a desire to ensure that USA Gymnastics follows through on investigating the sexual abuse of team members by former doctor Larry Nassar. “If there weren’t a remaining survivor in the sport they would’ve just brushed it to the side,” she explained.
Among the women who reported abuse by Nassar, Biles is the only one still competing. Following the initial case in 2018, the conversation around this issue has waned, both publicly and in the gymnastics community. Despite no one expecting her to keep competing to maintain focus on the topic, Biles feels a sense of responsibility to do so. “I think they’re just gonna try to hide it, sweep it under the rug and hopefully people kind of forgive and forget,” she warned USA Today Sports. “Stuff doesn’t just blow over.”
Black women often carry a sense of obligation to the systems that have harmed them. They endure mistreatment daily from employers, colleagues, and society at large. The criticism directed at Simone Biles exemplifies this reality. What is the justification for tearing her down simply because she chose to withdraw from a competition? It’s easy for those sitting behind screens to make judgments, yet they could never replicate the extraordinary feats she accomplishes.
Simone Biles, with or without a gold medal, is a true hero. She recognized her limits and established boundaries. The backlash she faces suggests that many believe she should not have the right to do so. Athletes are often expected to compete regardless of their personal struggles, with little consideration for their humanity or autonomy. This expectation is even more pronounced for Black athletes, who are often viewed solely as performers rather than individuals.
The outrage surrounding her decision is amplified by her identity as a Black woman. Advocating for oneself in sports challenges the romanticized narrative that society has constructed. The prevailing “keep pushing” mentality in American culture suggests that athletes must constantly strive for greatness at the expense of their well-being. This mentality is deeply ingrained in the hustle culture of American capitalism.
Comparisons are drawn to Kerri Strug’s iconic 1996 vault, where she competed despite a severe injury. Critics label Biles a “quitter” for stepping back after a disappointing performance. However, why should one athlete’s experience diminish another’s? Kerri Strug’s legacy does not detract from Biles’ wisdom in prioritizing her health over competition. Competing while injured should never be normalized, especially considering the dangers associated with gymnastics.
The risks involved in the sport are significant, and Biles, as the greatest gymnast of all time, performs some of the most complex routines in the discipline. A single misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences. Mental fortitude is as vital as physical strength, if not more so.
As the Olympics continue, Biles may still participate in individual events, but if she chooses not to, that is her prerogative. We can speculate all we want about how we would act in her shoes, but the truth is, we cannot truly know unless we are her. It’s time to respect her choices and allow her to navigate her journey. Regardless of the outcome, she will always be the GOAT.
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Summary
Simone Biles, a standout gymnast and advocate for mental health, has the right to prioritize her well-being over performance expectations. Her decision to withdraw from competitions amid pressure and criticism highlights the challenges faced by athletes, particularly Black women, who often confront unrealistic standards. Biles continues to navigate her role within the sport while advocating for necessary changes, and her legacy will endure regardless of her competition outcomes.