Ever since her Olympic withdrawal, Simone Biles has become an even bigger topic of discussion. To take such a bold decision at probably the biggest stage of the sporting world takes true courage and determination. Biles sent shock waves through the sporting world by opening up about her mental health situation. She has been away from the sport since the Tokyo Olympics and has made no revelations about her return.
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While many people appreciated and supported Biles’ decision, some called her a quitter. And Simone had the perfect reply to her critics.
Simone Biles gives the perfect reply to her haters
The power and reach of social media in today’s age are unparalleled. It’s a place where things can go viral in the blink of an eye. It is also a place fans (and critics) can connect with celebrities and get to know more about their lives. With close to 7million followers on Instagram, Biles has a massive audience.
After her withdrawal,?Simone?was at the receiving end of a lot of backlashes. People called her a quitter and said she was too afraid to compete. Biles took to Instagram to post a message for her critics. She posted a photo of her medals from the Tokyo Olympics. In the caption, she?wrote,??I?m proud of myself and the career I?ve had thus far. This Olympics doesn?t erase the past accomplishments I?ve achieved, nor does it define who I am as an athlete.?
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She added,??I?ve pushed through so much the past couple of years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary. For some of you, that may be how you define me, but keep talking because I can?t hear you over my 7 Olympic medals, which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as the most decorated American gymnast.?
Notably, Biles said she had a mental block that caused her to experience ‘the twisties’, leading to her withdrawal. But she came back to participate in the Balance Beam event and ended up winning the bronze medal. She later said this bronze meant more to her than all the gold medals.
Biles’ secret training place
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About 12 hours after Simone’s withdrawal from the competition, the mobile of a Juntendo University Professor rang. Kazuhiro Aoki was at the receiving end of a perplexing call. He was told that the Biles needed access to his school’s gym to practice.
To return to the competition floor in time, Biles needed a quiet, isolated place to reconnect with herself. She found it in a distant Tokyo suburb, in a facility near the rice fields about an hour away from the competition venue. As Simone reached the location, all gates were locked so no one else could enter. She practiced there for a few days, and 24 hours before the Balance Beam event, she received the all-clear to take part in it.
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To come back from such a dark place and then move on and win a bronze medal at the Olympics in a matter of days is beyond unbelievable. And the message Simone had for her critics cements her legacy as the gymnastics GOAT.