Once again, gymnastics superstar Simone Biles’ candid remarks proved that her bravery and resilience aren’t limited to the mats, but actually run deeper than athleticism.

The 29-year-old recently featured in Madrid at Sanitas's "Future Health" event. And here, she wasn’t just the most decorated gymnast in history, or an extraordinary athlete. But an active preacher of mental health.

“Giving importance to mental health is no longer a weakness, but a strength,” she stated. “The time has come to talk about it. A few years ago, it was considered a weakness that athletes are not human. Now it is talked about normally, and people understand that we are vulnerable.”

In the 2020 Tokyo Games, Biles experienced such treatment firsthand after withdrawing from several individual events to protect her mental and physical health. The result was a massive surge of criticism.

But in 2024, she returned to the Paris Olympics on her own terms, winning 3 golds and a silver. But amidst these, seeking help for her mental health and acknowledging her limits became an essential part of her athleticism.

Prioritizing her mental health made her Paris run possible. And it also changed her perspective on her sport.

Simone Biles Shared Her New Mindset About Gymnastics

Being the winner of 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals often threw her under the scrutiny of a world that only expected perfection. But eventually, Biles learned to see beyond that.

“For the first time, I place great value on other things that are no longer related to gold medals,” she shared. “In artistic gymnastics, perfection is sought, and we are always judged. Now I take it differently.”

While gymnastics and her accomplishments will forever be linked to her name, the 29-year-old admitted that she learned that a podium-worthy run isn’t always necessary.

“It is a pleasure to represent the United States at the Games. But I can also do wonderful things outside my sport,” 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