“And You Say, ’I Look Like Her’..”: Simone Biles Once Proudly Spotlighted the Changing Times in Gymnastics

Simone Biles is undoubtedly one of the most influential athletes in the world at present. Ever since she opened up about her struggles to the world, a lot of people are connecting with her story. Displaying marvels on the mat, Simone has taken the sport of gymnastics to another level altogether.

Many believe that she has changed the sport of gymnastics forever. The legendary gymnast believes that she has developed a large influence after the Rio Olympics. Simone has always used her voice for the betterment of society and to help people.

Simone Biles speaks on the diversity of gymnastics

The star gymnast, Simone Biles, leaves everyone awe-struck with her list of achievements. Apart from participating as a gymnast, she has used her widespread influence to speak on issues like mental health, which is very important as it is talked about very minimally. In an interview with Vogue, she spoke about the increasing diversity in sports.

Biles personally felt that the diversity in gymnastics is increasing day by day. She believed that the increase in diversity among the athletes playing a sport helps people to feel included. It makes people believe and dream about a goal that could be achievable.

Speaking on the changing time in gymnastics she said, “When you see a team where everyone has a different ethnicity and you’re the little girl watching on TV and you say, ‘I look like her,’ it makes you feel like you can do it too. Believing that they can do it is what opens up more kids to the sport.”

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Seeing kids getting excited inspires Simone a lot. She feels responsible as a role model to the kids. 

Simone’s struggle with mental health

Everyone around the world recognizes Simone Biles as a champion gymnast with many records to her name. But the struggles she had undergone in the process to achieve greatness remain mysterious to many. People often go through many struggles behind the scenes which never come out. Simone’s struggle with mental health was not known to the public for a long period of her career.

Simone opened up about her struggles in her book ‘Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance.’ She revealed how she would have panic attacks before a major event. The Olympic gold medalist recalled an incident before her Olympic debut where her bar routine was inaccurate. 

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This made her very frustrated. Seeing her frustration, her coach asked her to go back home and rejuvenate for the next day’s practice. On reaching home, she had a ‘full-blown’ panic attack. The expectations and build-up in the media gave her severe anxiety.