In the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles: Rising,” Simone Biles opens up about her mental health journey, portraying it as a point of strength rather than weakness.
The series explores her withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the “twisties,” a condition where gymnasts lose their mind-body connection mid-air, which could lead to severe injuries.
This moment of vulnerability allowed her to prioritize her mental health, setting a new precedent for athletes everywhere.
Biles shares how stepping back from the Olympics was a decision rooted in self-preservation, one that redefined the conversation around mental health in sports.
The backlash she faced, especially on social media, only highlighted the intense pressure placed on athletes to perform, particularly for Black women, who are often denied the grace to have “bad days.”
However, through the support of her community and her own resilience, Biles made a triumphant return to gymnastics, demonstrating that addressing mental health can coexist with incredible success.
