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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – JUNE 04: Simone Biles prepares to compete on the beam prior to the Senior Women’s competition of the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena on June 04, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1321947647.jpg?width=600)
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – JUNE 04: Simone Biles prepares to compete on the beam prior to the Senior Women’s competition of the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena on June 04, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
At the age of 25, Simone Biles has been one of the most influential figures in the sports world. Her achievements in gymnastics have been unparalleled, and so has her stardom. However, her actions at the Tokyo Olympics affected her popularity to a great extent. While most people applauded her for such a brave stance, there were a few who questioned her loyalty as an athlete.
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To those blasting Biles on social media for her Olympic withdrawal, comedian Kevin Hart gave a serious scolding.
Kevin Hart comes in support of Simone Biles
After withdrawing from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles received a lot of backlash on social media. Keeping aside her mental health crisis and her fear of doing gymnastics, people started calling her a quitter. However, slamming the haters for their scathing remarks, the Paper Soldiers actor decided to show them a mirror.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 03: Simone Biles of Team United States competes in the Women’s Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
He said, “We, as people, have a really bad habit of speaking on other people’s lives and their mental – and their decisions as if we truly know what’s going on with them. Slow the f— down. Pull your opinion car over.”
Hart further added, “This girl chose to step down. Unfortunately, as fans, we love her, we want to see her do what she does and her talent shine. But guess what? That’s not our decision. So hey, if she chose to do something else, let that girl do what she got to do. And we as fans move on to the next.”
Biles is an inspiration for the generations to look up to
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Amidst all the backlash were the professionals and celebrities, who saw it as an act of courage. What Biles did became an example that sometimes you need to choose yourself over everything else in life. It allowed further discussion on the mental health subject, and more people started coming forward with their individual struggles.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 25: Simone Biles of Team United States looks on during Women’s Qualification on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Athletes like Naomi Osaka, Michael Phelps, and Serena Williams supported Biles for her heroic act as it became an inspiration for the millions of people out there.
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Perhaps her contribution to mental health awareness is what can be called the biggest legacy that Simone Biles will leave behind.
WATCH THIS STORY- Gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles Shared Moments Of Her Friend’s Engagement
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