Simone Biles, an exceptional gymnast, and a powerful orator chose to liberate herself from the shackles of opinions and standards. The legendary gymnast, recognized the potential harm induced by trolls and negativity thus spread, and also has been a victim herself. She was tired and sick of the unending conversations she had to go through in her mind.

Biles walked out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. By doing that, she stood up for an important cause viz- prioritizing the mental health of athletes and others. Although it was not received well by everyone, she didn’t flinch for a moment nor regretted her decision. In a throwback Instagram, even before the Tokyo Olympics, she penned a strong message on the behavior that needed to stop.

Simone Biles was a victim but not anymore

In 2020, Biles made a powerful appeal in connection with skin-care brand, SK-II’s #nocompetition campaign. In her Instagram post, she wrote about the competition she didn’t sign up for. Elaborating further on the impact it has on her, she stated that it has become almost a daily challenge for her, by saying, “And I don’t think I’m the only one.”

As a professional, she emphasized what was more important than one’s performance. She shared her utmost disappointment and discontent, “In gymnastics, as in many other professions, there is a growing competition that has nothing to do with performance itself. I’m talking about beauty.”

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Fair to say, having been trolled for her appearance, dress, body size, and make-up, did influenced her state of mind. Besides, appealing to stop this disturbing expression of one’s opinions, she made a wise decision of opting herself out of the competition she didn’t sign up for. By doing so, she chose to not be affected by the negativity and, “the toxic culture of trolling.”

Biles reminded her fans of what mattered the most

When Biles posted a picture of herself and her pals, Aly Raisman, and Madison Kocian, clad in bikinis days after the 2016 Rio Olympics, they were body-shamed by trolls. One wouldn’t disagree that it was not happening for the first time.

In the Instagram post, Simone also added that she was done adhering to beauty standards, and the need to meet others’ expectations. Furthermore, she iterated, “Because nobody should tell you or [me] what beauty should or should not look like.” She concluded her post with, “Beauty is #nocompetition.” 

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