“I had to put myself into consideration first”: Simone Biles looks back at an emotional 2020 Tokyo Olympics


“I had to put myself into consideration first”: Simone Biles looks back at an emotional 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles

2021 has been a long year for Simone Biles. Considered to be one of the greatest gymnast of all times, Biles is also the most decorated female gymnast in the world. With five Olympic gold medals, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were hers for the taking.

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However, to the world’s surprise Biles pulled out of all the events barring beam at the Olympics, an unexpected move. Biles had a case of the ‘twisties’ and was having difficulty controlling herself in the air. She decided to put her mental health ahead of the sport, and sat aside.

She admitted to emotionally walking away from the Tokyo Olympics, saying that it was an eventual ‘win’. “Walking away from the Olympic Games was a win in itself. I know a lot of people thought I failed because they expected me to go out with five or six medals, but walking out of it was my biggest win,” she said according to hellomagazine.com.

Simone Biles puts mental health ahead of sport, faces emotional moment

Simone Biles
Simone Biles

“I had to put myself into consideration for one of the first times throughout my career. Most of the time, I’ve always put myself on the back burner, because I’ve always cared and thought about everybody else before myself. I was like, ‘You know what? I have to do what’s best for me, what’s safe, and what’s healthy for me.'”

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Simone admitted that she had considered staying in the competition, but eventually deemed it to be selfish because she would be jeopardising her teammates prospects. Even after working for five years to make that dream come true, she pulled herself out, which she considered to be the best decision she ever made.

Also read: “This award is for recognition of her contribution”: Suni Lee named Regional Gymnast of the Year

Also read:“I won’t train with Simone”: Melanie de Jesus dos Santos all set to be coached by Simone Biles’ coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi