“I was like, oh, America hates me. The world is gonna hate me…” These were the fears that haunted Simone Biles as she returned from Tokyo. She had made the gut-wrenching decision to withdraw from several Olympic events, knowing the backlash would be fierce. In her mind, it was gold or nothing, and she braced herself for the world’s harsh judgment. Many had already branded her the ‘quitter of the year,’ and the noise was deafening. But today, Biles has risen far above those criticisms, embracing a journey of self-care and mental well-being that has redefined her life and career.

In her Netflix documentary, Simone Biles Rising, she opens up about this transformation, revealing how prioritizing her mental health has become essential. Taking care of herself, listening to her body, and attending therapy are now her non-negotiables. Her Thursday therapy sessions, which she describes as practically religious, have become a cornerstone of her life—something she credits for her incredible performances in Paris. Even her coaches know that this is sacred ground, a space they don’t interfere with.

Biles’ coach Laurent Landi had unveiled an important truth

Speaking to GymCastic after the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, Laurent Landi had made an important revelation. The reporter cited that Cecile Landi had previously mentioned that she speaks to Biles’ therapist. Followed by asking Laurent if the coaching couple learned what is good for them to do for Simone in a competition after 2021. To which, Laurent had a clear reply.

He said, “We don’t interfere with this, we just got in relation with the therapist, but uh just scheduling and stuff like that mainly.” He further assured, “No, we did the same, so it’s not much we do, its in her, that’s all.” Thus, he suggested that the coaches had given Simone Biles complete discretion when it came to her therapies or her mental health.

Landi was further asked when did they know as coaches that Biles was ready for the big stage. To which he mentioned, “If you keep remembering what happened in Tokyo, it’s just, its not good for u. So you want to take that away of your brain, it’s just a fluke.” He further assured that, “emotionally and uh mentally she’s uh she, can handle it better than than she did, because now you know that can happen….”

The Landis seem to have great faith in Biles. Also, her mental health progress appears solely between her and the therapist, with no interference from the coaching side. All they do is a little bit of an adaptation to her needs.

Laurent Landi’ growth as Simone Biles’ pillar of support

While Simone Biles carried out her gravity-defying stunts in Paris, we could see Laurent and Cecile giving their best to be by her side. Especially Laurent who would stand close every time she performed on the uneven bars. Also, ever so often when she would nail her routine or a landing, she would come off the mat and give a hi-five to her coach. Visibly, the dynamic between them seemed friendly and flexible.

But, for this to be achieved, a lot of understanding and adaptation was needed from the coaches’ end. Speaking to the Associated Press, Laurent had said, “We’re not always right.. If you do your own way all the time, you will hurt the majority of the athletes. Maybe one will survive and will be an amazing person, amazing athlete but the (other) 90 percent, they will be broken. … We had to adjust to Simone, otherwise we would have broke her.”

Laurent had even mentioned that the dynamics have changed today, It’s not that the athlete needs to adjust to the coaches, it’s the other way around. The coaches need to adjust to the athlete’s abilities. And it seems that both Cecile and Laurent have helped Simone Biles in this area. In Paris, Biles had credited them by saying that it was because of the two that she got back in the gym and worked really hard, mentally and physically.