In a monumental display of courage, one of USA Olympics’ most decorated athletes, four-time gold medal gymnast Simone Biles, has stepped away from the women’s gymnastics team competition in the 2020 Olympics to focus on her mental health.
The decision surprised the world in part because the 24-year-old has a history of competing under extreme pressure: She won Nationals despite broken toes in both feet, a world championship with a kidney stone, and in recent years has become the face of sexual assault survivors. Now, Simone joins a growing list of athletes who have left the sports stage during widely televised competitions, citing mental health concerns.
Michele Kerulis, EdD, LCPC, Core Faculty, Counseling@Northwestern states that “many high achievers, including elite athletes, experience public excellence and private anguish. Mental health issues are minimized due to a culture of mental toughness and expectations of strength. Society encourages people to put on their game face and tough out difficulties.”
The Family Institute at Northwestern University applauds Simone’s incredible bravery and the example it inherently sets for people everywhere choosing to put their mental health first.
July 27, 2021