Lack of Athletic Trainers

By Angelina Vojvodic

The return of gymnast Simone Biles in the 2024 Paris Olympics has left an inspiring and unforgettable message for many people.

During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from the competition, the reason being due to mental health concerns. Her return not only demonstrated her athletic abilities, but also her courage and response to adversity throughout this hardship in her gymnastics career. Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health was a groundbreaking moment in sports history. 

According to Reuters,"Three years ago I never thought I'd set foot on a gymnastics floor again because of everything that happened," Biles told reporters prior to her competing. "But with the help of (coaches) Cecile and Laurent (Landi), I got back in the gym and worked really hard mentally and physically."  

Biles' comeback was largely motivated by Brazilian gymnast Rebecca Andrade, whom she had competed with for years before. "I've never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes and brought out the best athlete in me." Biles vocalized. 

Biles’ story resonates with people in many aspects of life. Her determination reminds us that it is okay to take a step back, listen to your body, heal, and then be able to come back stronger in the long run. This reflects the equal importance of mental and physical well-being. 

Thanks to Biles’ courage and openness about her situation, future gymnasts and athletes of all sports will know that they can prioritize their mental health and still have a shot at being champions. The fact that Biles was able to tell her story without embarrassment or shame has already served to empower regular people around the world who may be facing mental health issues.