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Column: Whatever happens at the Olympics, Simone Biles has written a comeback story for the ages

BBG News

I am in awe of Simone Biles and her incredible journey in gymnastics. Her accomplishments are not just about winning Olympic gold; she represents a pivotal moment in women’s athletics, where mental health and transparency are becoming the new standards for greatness.

Simone Biles has already won the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

We’re just as excited as everyone else to witness her skills live. Gymnastics is a fan favorite at the Summer Olympics, and Biles holds the title of the world’s most decorated gymnast. Countless people, including myself, are eagerly anticipating the Games and adjusting their plans to catch Biles in action during her dominant events. She’s the main draw for the Olympics, and based on her impressive pre-Olympic performances, it promises to be an unforgettable show.

Although she may not depart from Paris with a neck adorned by gold, her victory would not be diminished. To put it differently, her experience goes beyond merely being present. She’s part of women’s athletics undergoing significant recognition and transformation, and she has played a pivotal role in this evolution.

Women in all sports persistently advocate for fair compensation. The ongoing debates about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s experiences on the court and in media highlight the unequal treatment endured by elite female athletes, especially women of color, in contrast to their male peers.

In recent times, numerous women athletes have broken the silence surrounding the challenges they face in elite sports. They’ve become more open about discussing the mental and physical strains that come with greatness in sports. Serena Williams has publicly shared how childbirth and motherhood influenced her career. Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open in 2021 to address her mental health concerns. Olympic champions like Lindsey Vonn (skiing) and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (marathon) have spoken openly about their struggles with depression. Mikaela Shiffrin made headlines by discussing how her menstrual cycle impacts her energy levels.

As a passionate cinema goer, I can’t help but be captivated by the inspiring journey of Simone Biles at these Olympics. She embodies the very essence of a classic comeback story that leaves us both weeping and cheering. Yet, in her recent interviews and through her new documentary series, “Simone Biles Rising,” she has made it clear that her focus extends beyond the conventional thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Instead, she passionately advocates for raising awareness about the hidden mental and physical efforts required to excel as a top athlete.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of underdog stories where the favorite faces unexpected challenges. Three years ago, Simone Biles, the GOAT in gymnastics, prepared to shine at the Tokyo Summer Games. The pressure was immense as she was tipped to win all, if not most, of the gold medals. But little did we know, she was about to encounter “the twisties,” a baffling condition where gymnasts lose track of their bodies mid-movement. Caught off guard, Biles had to withdraw from many events. However, she didn’t leave empty-handed; she still managed to secure a bronze medal on the balance beam and contributed to the U.S. team’s silver medal victory.

Some people applauded her choice as a courageous and beneficial act for mental health awareness, while others criticized her severely, alleging that she had betrayed her team and given up her position as the leading athlete in the sport.

I’ve been following Biles’ journey closely, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride for her. She took a step back from gymnastics and sought therapy to deal with the immense pressures she faced. The dual traumas of being abused by U.S. national team doctor Larry Nassar and then becoming a public figure in the case against him weighed heavily on her. With time, I saw how her husband, Chicago Bears backup safety Jonathan Owens, her family, and coaches began to support her in considering another run at the Olympics. It’s not an easy decision, but with their encouragement, she’s taking steps towards making a comeback.

As a seasoned observer of human nature and a devoted fan of documentaries, I’ve seen my fair share of compelling stories that delve deep into the lives of extraordinary individuals. And let me tell you, the upcoming Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” is shaping up to be one for the books.

As a seasoned writer, I’ve had the privilege of observing and interpreting various narratives throughout my career. In this particular instance, I find myself deeply moved by the transparent accounts of gymnast Simone Biles and her fellow athletes regarding their experiences leading up to and following the Tokyo Olympics.

Recording a return with uncertain outcomes is quite remarkable. Yet, Biles manages to stand out as the exceptional one.

Only a few people can relate to the intense pressure and high-stakes situation that Biles faced when she withdrew from the 2020 competitions. However, many of us can understand her decision to take a step back and reassess her situation honestly. It wasn’t just a rough patch or an individual mistake, but a deeper issue that required serious consideration. She bravely considered retirement as an option before ultimately deciding to start anew and rebuild her career from the ground up.

It seemed to be her goal, not just for an Olympic medal, but also for personal growth and better health. She recognizes that every effort holds worth, regardless of the final outcome; it’s the journey itself that brings true value.

In the past, it’s been expected that comeback stories conclude with an impressive victory, such as Biles triumphantly standing on a podium surrounded by thousands of cheering fans. This outcome is certainly a possibility given her exceptional performances at previous competitions prior to the Olympics. Frankly, I can’t deny that I hope Biles will prove wrong those commentators and critics who doubted her strength, selflessness, or champion qualities by publicly displaying her hard-earned gold medals.

But who knows?

Each time Biles gets close to the vault, bar, or mat, she fearlessly throws herself into the abyss, uncertain of the outcome.

Except that, whatever comes next, she has shown us, once again, what victory looks like.

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2024-07-26 14:16

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