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Simone Biles: A quitter or a trailblazer for mental health in sports? What's your take?

Simone Biles and the G.O.A.T. performers are absolutely soaring on her Gold Over America Tour! It’s so exciting to see the 11-time Olympic medalist and most decorated gymnast in America showing her amazing skills alongside fellow Team USA gymnasts like Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera, Fred Richard, Paul Juda, and Brody Malone. Since kicking off on September 16 in Oceanside, California, the tour has been all about celebrating talent and inspiring fans—especially young fans.

Recently returning from the three gold medal ceremonies at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles expressed her happiness despite the distance from her husband, Jonathan Owens. When asked if she would choose between competing for another medal or continuing her Gold Over America Tour, she gave a surprising yet bold response during an interview with 13News anchor Anne Marie Tiernon. Biles, known for her candidness, shared her thoughts on the importance of mental health and the positive impact of the tour, reminding everyone that her journey extends beyond medals.

Simone Biles is all about inspiring the next generation! She recently replied to the question in a savage way, “It’s an honor competing for your country and to win a medal, but this just touches the kids so differently. So I love being able to get out here and inspire them and for them to look at, like, ‘One day, I could be just like them, performing across America.'” Her excitement for the Gold Over America Tour really shines through as she shared, “From the world’s stage to the GOAT stage, this incredible journey continues. I can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store this year. Creating unforgettable memories for our audiences every night on tour is what I love most.”

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Well, Simone Biles has been very open about the mental health challenges she faced after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she made the tough choice to step back from several events. Reflecting on that experience, she noted that she felt a lot more at ease after it was over, which made a significant difference for her. Through therapy, she has found her own strength and hopes that her story can help others, whether they’re little girls, boys, or adults.

Having learned so much from her own journey, Simone Biles is passionate about paving the way for younger generations and making their journeys easier. She stated, “I really do this to inspire the younger generation. That’s exactly why we’re doing it. Finding joy and making sure that they have an easier ride than we are.” If she can share any tips or guidance, she’s eager to do so, hoping that those she inspires will be cheering her on at the Gold Over America Tour. And her this philosophy really worked!

Breaking barriers Simone Biles inspires conversations on mental health

Simone Biles has really become a powerful advocate for mental health, and her approach is both inclusive and inspiring. It all started three years ago when she made the brave decision to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She faced a ton of criticism for it, even being called the “Quitter of the Year,” but she put her mental health first instead of succumbing to the pressure to compete.

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Biles knew that dealing with the “twisties”—a serious mental block—was something that could haunt her for life if she didn’t manage it properly. So, she made the tough choice to step back from the team final and four individual events, showing just how important it is to prioritize well-being, even when others might not understand.

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Simone Biles: A quitter or a trailblazer for mental health in sports? What's your take?

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Now, Biles’s story is motivating so many people to take their mental health seriously. During a recent chat with 13News anchor, she expressed how grateful she was to learn that 60% of American women feel inspired by her to prioritize their mental well-being. Well, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 57.8 million adults live with some form of mental illness. Biles said, “As long as I’m staying authentic to who I am, and keep being open, raw, and vulnerable, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Her decision to put her well-being first is really changing how we talk about mental health in sports.

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Back in 2021, mental health wasn’t something people were openly discussing; it often had a negative stigma attached to it. Even though Michael Phelps had talked about his struggles, many still hesitated to share their own challenges. But then Simone Biles took a stand, and everything started to change.

Her courage inspired other athletes like Jade Carey, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles to open up about their own experiences, creating a more supportive environment for everyone. The best part? Now, 63% of women are taking their mental health seriously and feeling more comfortable discussing their struggles. Biles isn’t just making an impact in gymnastics; she’s inspiring an entire generation to prioritize their mental well-being!