American artistic gymnast Simone Biles was praised for putting her “mental wellness over all else” on priority after pulling out of the Olympic women’s team final, according to BBC.
The head of the US Olympic team, gymnasts, and other sportspersons praised Biles’ decision to prioritize mental health.
The 24-year-old gymnast withdrew from the event after her vault, announcing, “I have to focus on my mental health.”
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said, “You’ve made us so proud. We applaud your decision to prioritize your mental wellness over all else and offer you the full support and resources of our Team USA community as you navigate the journey ahead.”
Biles, who is widely referred to as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), is a 30-time Olympic and World Championship medalist.
Jamaica artistic gymnast Danusia Francis said, “Don’t know about you but I think Simone Biles just empowered everyone to put their mental wellbeing above everything else. What a queen. GOAT in more ways than one.”
“Since 2013 she’s been undefeated in the all-around so every competition she goes in, everyone expects her to be perfection, and it’s just not possible,” said retired British artistic gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Tweddle said on BBC One, “She was strong enough to say ‘I’m just not right today and I’ve got the belief in the rest of the girls. They know they can step up, that they can do their routines.’ And she went back in, she was their chief cheerleader, and she was getting the chalk for them. That shows how much of a leader she is, to be able to make that decision.”
“We have got to make sure that the health and wellbeing of every athlete is the main priority,” she added.
French gymnast Melanie de Jesus dos Santos said, “We are not used to seeing Simone Biles like this. I would like to say that it is not easy because she is Simone Biles and everyone is watching her. It’s so difficult psychologically for her.”
“This is very unusual for her, but if you’re under a lot of pressure it can affect your body,” said Japanese artistic gymnast Mai Murakami.
Jordan Chiles, who replaced Biles in the women’s team final, said, “That was a huge thing. Those were definitely some big shoes that I had to fill and I’m very happy that I was able to do that. Yes, she is the GOAT. I was able to show the world that not only can you fill amazing people’s shoes but we also did this together as well.”
“We were all so stressed. We honestly didn’t know in that moment,” said Sunisa Lee. “She’s freaking Simone Biles. She carries the team basically.”
“When we kind of had to step up to the plate and do what we had to do, it was very hard and stressful,” Lee added. “But I’m very proud of us because we did that.”
Retired US gymnast Aly Raisman said, “I feel sick to my stomach. It’s horrible. I know that all of these athletes dream of this moment for their whole entire lives so I’m just completely devastated and just hoping Simone’s OK. It’s just so much pressure, and I’ve been watching how much pressure has been on her in the months leading up to the Games – and it’s just devastating.”
“Just a friendly reminder: Olympic athletes are human and they’re doing the best they can,” she added. “It’s really hard to peak at the right moment and do the routine of your life under such pressure.”
Even the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki praised Biles, stating, “Gratitude and support are what Simone Biles deserves. Still the GOAT and we are all just lucky to be able to see her in action.” “Thank you for being a role model and showing the world it’s OK to prioritize your mental health,” tweeted UNICEF USA.
