The biggest news from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics did not come as the breaking of an Olympic or a world record. It came as in Simone Biles withdrawing from the events, citing mental health issues. While the gymnast was initially termed ‘selfish,’ the world lauded her for taking a bold step to prioritize her mental health and sending out a powerful message. Various athletes came forward to support Biles, and some even came forth with struggles of their own.

One particular athlete inspired by Biles’ step to come forward with his struggles was Australia’s, Steve Solomon. The track athlete from Sydney revealed he, too, faced performance anxiety and fear of failure.

Simone Biles inspired Steve Solomon

During one of his most recent interviews, the Sydney athlete talked at length about how Simone Biles‘ step was one of the most iconic and inspirational in a long time. Talking about the same, the Australian 400m runner said, “Every athlete just felt crushed for Simone Biles.” Interestingly, Solomon is also an ambassador of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Mental Fitness Program.

Notably, apart from sharing the Tokyo Olympics platform, Simone and Solomon had another thing in common. They both had a fear of failure going into the games. Opining on his take over Simone’s withdrawal, Steve said, “Here is an athlete who has basically never lost, and it comes into her mind that there is a chance that she might lose.”

He added, “It was incredibly telling for the entire athlete community and the entire global community that you can be at the top of your game forever, but if you aren’t practicing the skills and taking the time to be conscious of the ways different things can go wrong – including the mind and the body – then you’re not protecting yourself as best as you can.”

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Solomon said, while he has never suffered from depression or mental health issues, he thinks it is a positive thing that athletes are talking about such things more openly.

Solomon almost did not make it to the Tokyo Olympics

The fear of failure was so high in Steve’s mind that it almost cost him his place at the Tokyo Olympics. Eight weeks before the Olympics, Solomon was not running because of a torn calf. In all of 2021, he raced in competition only once.

The competition was the National Championships, which Steve lost for the first time. He first hurt his back, then injured one of his calves before injuring the other. He could not get healthy in time to be at his hundred percent. As he walked into the call room in Tokyo, Solomon experienced his mind playing tricks on him. “It was saying, ‘Steve, don’t compete.'” Steve went to the Olympics and recorded his fastest time in the 400m, creating a new personal best of 44.94 seconds.

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Not only was Biles’ step revolutionary in the current scenario, but also one that has far-reaching implications. She has inspired many athletes like Steve to believe in themselves and take a step back if needed.