Gold Medal in Self-Care
Simone Biles faced considerable backlash when she opted to withdraw from multiple gymnastics events during the Tokyo Olympic Games last summer. Yet, the four-time Olympic gold medalist has firmly supported her choice to prioritize her mental well-being. Speaking at the 43rd annual Simmons Leadership Conference, Biles shared insights with Brené Brown, stating that stepping back from the Games was “a win in itself.”
“Leaving the Olympic Games was a victory in its own right. Many believed I had failed because they expected me to walk away with five or six medals, but choosing to walk away marked my biggest triumph,” she explained, as reported by People. “For once in my career, I had to consider my own needs. I’ve often placed everyone else’s needs before my own.”
As any parent knows, prioritizing oneself can be challenging and often comes with guilt. Yet, self-care is essential, whether it involves an Olympic team or family responsibilities. Biles’ courageous act of self-care exemplifies this truth. Before her withdrawal, Biles experienced “the twisties,” a disorienting condition that can make gymnasts lose their sense of air awareness. Instead of pushing through, Biles recognized that trying to compete could jeopardize not only her safety but also that of the team.
“It would have been selfish of me to endanger the team’s chances and my own safety… I had to remind myself, ‘Simone, it’s okay. It’s not the end of the world; it’s just sports. If you walk away and are still standing, that’s a victory for you,’” she reflected. Today, Biles considers her decision a testament to her courage. “I had trained for five years, and I didn’t want to abandon that dream. But I had to prioritize my health and listen to what my mind and body were telling me,” she stated. “I had to set aside my pride and acknowledge, ‘This isn’t going to work.’
Biles’ willingness to be vulnerable has profoundly impacted many lives. While she faced criticism, she also receives praise from people who approach her in public, applauding her choice to honor her mental and physical health. Recently engaged, Biles has established a self-care routine, which includes weekly therapy sessions to “clear my mind” and dedicating time to journal and practice positive self-affirmation in the mirror. “I’ve battled with that throughout my life. Everyone tells you that you’re good enough, but my strength lies in proving others wrong and exceeding expectations,” she shared during the panel.
For more on related topics, check out this insightful blog post and learn from this authority on health. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
Search Queries:
- Self-care strategies for athletes
- Mental health in sports
- How to prioritize self-care
- Understanding the twisties in gymnastics
- Building a self-care routine
In summary, Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics stands as a powerful statement about the importance of mental health and self-care. Her journey emphasizes that true strength often lies in the courage to prioritize oneself.