On July 27th, Simone Biles pulled out of the individual all-around competition of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At first, it was thought to be due to a leg injury. However, after an interview she cleared the air, making sure everyone knew the reason for her withdrawal was to prioritize her mental health. In my opinion, this is a salient moment for all sports. Biles was not performing to the best of her abilities, and her mind was not in the right place. By withdrawing, not only did she help herself by relieving the pressure, she became a role model. Many individuals do not take mental health seriously. Additionally, many sports fans do not consider the feelings or the pressures of an athlete. It has been disregarded many times, but this powerful event helps shed some light on the topic. Another individual who fought this battle was tennis player Naomi Osaka when she pulled out of the French Open in the middle of the tournament. Furthermore, Biles was criticized by few because she has been so dominant in her sport. People thought her success meant she was not struggling to cope with the pressure. The scrutiny she received was inevitable, yet she focused on her mental health and provided a gateway for other athletes in the process. Her actions are truly commendable and she has gained the respect of many people including myself.
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