In the high-stakes competitive realm of sports, where triumphs and strengths are celebrated with pomp and show, failures are often hidden. But in the world of gymnastics, two phenomenal figures have broken the silence on an issue that transcends medals and honors. Simone Biles has prioritized her mental well-being over chasing Olympic glory. And 64-year-old former US gymnast Kathy Johnson Clarke stood by her side in utmost solidarity as she narrated her own stories of fighting her intrusive thoughts and inner demons.

The 1984 Olympics medalist recently opened up about her unexpected struggles with PTSD decades after her retirement. Kathy Johnson Clarke retired from the field of gymnastics about 40 years ago. Post-retirement, she began a new journey as a sports commentator. But years after her retirement, Clarke’s words reflected how mental illness can take a huge toll on one’s life.

40 years post-retirement, Kathy Johnson Clarke reveals her battle with PTSD resonating with the struggle of Simone Biles

Simone Biles is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the world of gymnastics. But the queen of the mat too faced a mental health crisis in the most unfortunate situation. Despite arriving at the face of the Games, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles decided to prioritize her mental health and withdrew from the global stage. Her act of courage to prioritize her well-being over potential gold medals resonated worldwide. Recently Kathy Johnson Clarke too stood by Biles’ decision.

In a recent X post, Kathy Johnson Clarke shares a report by AP News and wrote, “At nearly 65 and 40 years post retirement after the 84 Olympics I learned this year how real PTSD is. I didn’t expect “those paralyzing thoughts & feelings” again.” She suffered from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) recently and Johnson Clarke shared how she fought against the illness without giving up easily. Through their vulnerability and resilience, both Biles and Johnson Clarke inspire a broader dialogue about the importance of mental health, not just in sports, but in every aspect of life.

Back in 2021, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles had to withdraw because of ‘Twisties’ (a disorienting condition where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness mid-air). But with the Paris Olympics knocking on her door, has Simone Biles fully recovered from the illness? “It’s a trauma that happened to her and that came at a bad time and she could not handle it. It’s as simple as this. She could not function. She could not be a gymnast at that time,” said Laurent Landi, who along with Cecile Landi coached Biles in 2017.

Biles overcomes stress and anxiety to triumph in the U.S. Classics, and eyes Paris Olympics

After she decided to leave the Olympic stage because of mental health issues, returning to the mat became an even bigger challenge. Fighting against anxiety, PTSD, and uncountable barriers, she started to prepare herself for the upcoming U.S. Classics. With her mother, Nellie Biles, by her side, she emerged victorious, securing several accolades in the event.

“It’s not like I think that ‘Olympics’ is a plague and I’m trying to avoid it or trying not to say it. I just think there are other things I have to get to before that,” stated Simone Biles, sharing her thoughts about the Paris Olympics. Both Clarke and Biles share a common thread. That is their ongoing journey of managing mental health amidst public scrutiny and personal expectations. Their stories highlight a poignant truth that even the most accomplished athletes are not immune to the invisible battles within. And that mental well-being must top the list of priorities for all.