Simone Biles has truly become a powerful voice for mental health, and her leadership is as inclusive as it is inspiring. But all Biles wants to show is “Simone’s side of the Simone Biles.” It all began three years ago when she made the bold decision to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, choosing her mental health over competition. Dealing with the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block in gymnastics, she stepped back from the team final and four individual events—a choice that couldn’t have been easy.

Biles has been open about the heartbreak of setting aside her Olympic dreams after five years of hard work. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how tough it was to even begin therapy, but those sessions became a crucial part of her success, leading her to three golds and a silver at the Paris Games.

Now, Biles’ story is motivating countless others to take charge of their mental health. She’s especially inspiring for Black women in the workplace, where more than 60% face challenges that lead to stress and burnout. As someone who has faced similar pressures, Biles is showing that it’s okay to step back and focus on yourself. Through her “Gold Over America” tour and beyond, she’s using her platform to push the conversation forward, not just in gymnastics but in all walks of life.

On October 15th, Simone Biles sat down with 13News anchor Anne Marie Tiernon to discuss her “Gold Over America” tour and her ongoing mental health advocacy. A recent survey revealed that 60% of American women say Biles inspired them to prioritize their mental well-being. “I actually read that stat yesterday, and I was just feeling so grateful,” Biles said. She emphasized her commitment to keeping the conversation around mental health alive, stating, “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.” Simone Biles’s choice to put her well-being first has really changed how we talk about mental health in sports. More athletes are stepping up to share their own struggles, creating a more supportive environment.

A recent survey from the Child Mind Institute showed that 63% of women felt inspired to take their mental health seriously after hearing Biles talk about her own challenges. Plus, 61% said they now feel more comfortable sharing their struggles. With financial worries and health issues being top stressors for many, it’s clear that Biles’s openness has encouraged a lot of people to focus on their mental well-being. Biles has even inspired fellow gymnast Jade Carey and others too.

Simone Biles helped Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles navigate their mental health challenges

Simone Biles has really made an impact on the conversation about health in sports by sharing her own challenges openly and encouraging others to address the stigma associated with these discussions. Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey perfectly explained her impact, stating, “I think after Tokyo and Simone using her voice about mental health and how we need to take care of ourselves, it really made us all kind of take a step back and realize that we’re not just robots out there in gymnastics. We have minds that we have to take care of as well.”

Carey’s experience highlights the impact of Biles’s influence further on her journey as an athlete. Following her victory in Tokyo and encountering a season in 2023 that tested her confidence greatly, she reflected on the difficulties she faced by expressing that, “I didn’t really have the best year. I wasn’t feeling myself.” In an effort to overcome these struggles, Carey collaborated with a sports psychologist provided by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which enabled her to rethink and enhance her approach to maintaining wellness.

Biles’s influence extends beyond just her immediate circle. When Suni Lee experienced a panic attack just hours before the team’s all-around final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles was there to provide crucial support. Lee recalled, “You need to walk around like you’re the reigning Olympic champion, and you need to own it.” This pep talk empowered Lee, who later won gold with her teammates.

Also, Jordan Chiles has also acknowledged the importance of mental health. She shared how her perspective has shifted, moving from skepticism about seeking help to encouraging others to find someone they can lean on. As she puts it, “Find somebody you can talk to—someone you can lean on.” With Biles leading the way, the conversation about mental health in sports is finally gaining the attention it deserves.