All of the Gymnastics icon Simone Biles’ victories didn’t come from the mats. And her recent take proved that she’s still an active champion when it comes to the mental health talks.

Not long ago did the most decorated gymnast in history attend the Future Health event in Sanitas, Madrid. And in the interview with El País’ Daniel Arribas, she revealed what it is like being the global face of mental health in sport.

“What I’ve done so far, I will keep doing: be vulnerable, open and honest, talk about it and share what I experience with people,” Biles shared. “It comes naturally to me. I’ve always been like that. And if along the way I can help even one person, I will be more than happy.”

After showing the courage to withdraw from several individual events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to protect her mental health, and receiving massive criticism in return, did the responsibility weigh on her?

Biles’ answer was clear. Being an active voice about mental health, arguably one of the most neglected parts of being a professional athlete, was never a “burden.” If anything, it changed her perspective on the sport.

In 2024, Biles returned to the Paris Olympics, winning three gold and a silver. And, by that time, she started approaching gymnastics in a new light.

Mental Health Therapy Changed Simone Biles’ Approach

In the highly competitive realm of elite artistic gymnastics, the athlete with 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals was mainly judged to perfection. But eventually, Biles learned to see it differently.

“In artistic gymnastics, perfection is sought, and we are always judged,” she shared.“Now I take it differently. It is a pleasure to represent the United States at the Games. But I can also do wonderful things outside my sport.”

In fact, the medals and accolades can only mean so much. The true joy of the sport remains in acknowledging the vulnerability and not always caring for a podium-worthy finish.

“For the first time, I place great value on other things that are no longer related to gold medals,” she added. “I have learned so much about myself and to realize that nothing happens if we acknowledge that we are not completely well.”

With that being said, do you agree with Biles? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy