Simone Biles shocked the world after she pulled out of the team and individual all-around, vault, and bars finals at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. After winning four golds in her debut, many expected Biles to win golds across the board in Tokyo. Yet, while many quickly resorted to criticizing the champion for speaking up on the mental block that stifled her performance, it started a revolution. Fellow Olympian and rival Rebeca Andrade revealed just how much that moment impacted gymnastics as a whole.
“For many years, gymnasts from other generations were treated like robots, they couldn’t cry in pain or vent about a family problem: it was just gymnastics,” Andrade said in a conversation with Vogue. However, when her Olympic rival let the world know about the ‘twisties’ things started to change. Biles’ courage to speak out about her vulnerabilities inspired other competitors.
So, Rebeca Andrade and elite gymnasts across the globe followed Biles’ lead. Soon, global and regional organizations saw the athletes with a different perspective. “They understood that it’s no use just looking good on the outside, that we need to feel safe in our family and sports environment,” Andrade said during her interview with Vogue Brazil.
“Changes happened, and it became clear that things can be done differently and in healthier ways,” the six-time Olympic medalist said. Andrade, who appears on the October 2024 cover of Vogue Brazil, emphasized that there was no point in looking good on the outside or earning scores of medals if an athlete’s mental health was in shambles. The mentality of chasing medals at all costs reminds one of Kerri Strug’s 1996 vault attempt.
via Reuters
In stark contrast to Simone Biles’s withdrawal in 2021, Strug continued vaulting at Atlanta in 1996, despite a serious ankle injury. Strug’s gold medal-winning attempt became a shining example of perseverance and championship spirit. However, it also exposed the glaring issues of the mental pressure gymnasts endured.
“Kerri, we need you to go one more time. We need you one more time for the gold,” urged Béla Károlyi before Strug limped to the vault. However, Andrade explained that “Our results on the stage today are a consequence” of prioritizing mental health. However, to truly understand the significance of what Simone Biles did in Tokyo, we need to look outside the sport.
How Simone Biles’ act transcended the sport
While Biles’ partial withdrawal drew criticism, it also garnered immense support. While the 27-year-old’s former teammates, such as Aly Raisman, immediately voiced their support, the discourse went beyond gymnastics. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Minnesota Timberwolves icon Karl-Anthony Towns, and even celebrities stood beside Biles.
“Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face! I know we don’t know each other, but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as – what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul,” Justin Bieber wrote on Instagram. The pop star, who had canceled his Purpose Tour for similar reasons, could relate to Simone Biles.
