“My Heart Goes Out to Simone”: Simona Halep’s Coach Draws Parallel with Simone Biles Situation

At a podcast session on Fowler, who you got?, Darren Cahill hailed the American Gymnast, Simone Biles, and her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The former tennis player and coach said we should all learn from Simone Biles.

Darren Cahill is an Australian tennis coach and former professional player. For the last four years, Cahill has been associated with Simona Halep. He mentored Halep into being the World No. 1 and the winner of the 2018 French Open title.

Darren Cahill stood with Simona Biles’ decision

USA Gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the event finals in the vault and uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympic 2021. Biles said she was prioritizing her mental health. “It’s been really stressful this Olympic Games,” Biles said. “It’s been a long week. It’s been a long Olympic process. It’s been a long year. Just a lot of different variables and I think we’re just a little bit too stressed out, but we should be out here having fun and sometimes that’s not the case.”

Following her decision, Darren Cahill applauded Biles and said,“It’s important to learn and listen to Simona Biles’ honesty”. The coach also mentioned how difficult it becomes for any athlete to perform under pressure. “My heart goes out to Simone. I hope she gets through it,” he said on Fowler, who you got? 

Cahill on Halep and Biles similarity

Darren Cahill also stressed another point regarding her mentee, Simona Halep and Simone Biles. When questioned about Biles, he replied that each athlete goes through challenging times, so he has seen it with other athletes. Simona has struggled in the past, and he admires how she has handled the pressure.

The coach has been working with the former world number one for four years now. Cahill appreciated Halep by saying,” She’s an amazing person, amazing athlete, and amazing competitor.”

Simona Halep also supported Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the 2020 Olympics. “It’s a big problem, I’ve felt it for years. In 2014, I felt it the most, because I was in the beginning, I didn’t know how to manage all the tournaments, the success I had. It’s an emotional load week in and week out to be on top, and I agree with them that some athletes may not be able to handle this pressure,” she told the press when asked about Biles.

The former world number one has always been an advocate for mental health issues alongside Naomi Osaka. Halep, who has been through some rough patches in the past, understands what Biles was dealing with and stayed by her.

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