“Validate Your Emotions”: Olympic Gold Medallist Takes Inspiration From Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles

Professional athletes face enormous pressure constantly. Hence, in the long run, it takes a heavy toll on their mental health. Similarly, the 21-year-old American snowboarder Chloe Kim reflected on being under pressure at all times. In addition, she also praised Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka and American gymnast Simone Biles for prioritizing their mental health over sports.

Notably, Kim had become the youngest woman to win an Olympic gold medal, winning in women’s snowboard halfpipe at 17. Thus, she carried different pressure on her since then. As the young American is preparing for Winter Olympics in Beijing now, she looked back on the pressure days and got inspiration from Osaka and Biles.

“I felt pressured to be perfect all the time, and it drained me. I was genuinely angry for a while because I was so concerned about what everyone else would think about me. It became toxic,” Kim told Shape.

Afterward, the Olympic gold medallist realized she needed to take better care of herself. And that empowered her a lot.

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Chole Kim on following Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles’ example

Both Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles pulled out from the French Open and Olympic medal defense citing mental health problems, respectively. Accordingly, they received a lot of support from athletes and fans across the world.

Moreover, the two became the central point of the growing mental health conversation in the sporting world. Likewise, Chole Kim gave their example to raise awareness.

“I was really proud of Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka as well, for prioritizing their mental health,” Kim said. “I hope that people realize that as athletes and Olympians, we face a lot of pressure. It’s important to slow down, take a step back, and validate your emotions. Respecting yourself is so important.”

Eventually, the entire sports community is following in the footsteps of Osaka and Biles. Fans hope that soon there will be more help for athletes to cope up with pressure.

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Osaka ends break from tennis

After a break since US Open 2021 disappointment, Osaka finally took on the tennis court again. Although she admitted being rusty, she felt happy to be back.

Therefore, fans expect the Japanese star to make a stellar return at the Australian Open next year. So far, Osaka has won four Grand Slams in four consecutive years. Will she continue that tradition?

Also Read: Why Is Naomi Osaka Not Playing WTA Finals 2021?