Simon Biles’ Olympic Journey and Future
As one of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts in history, Simon Biles is an inspiration to many and is under a constant and immense spotlight on the global stage. Following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles faces daily challenges that test her skill, and a whole country counting on her impeccable technique to win the gold.
This year has proven to be a taxing and undeniably challenging year for the US gymnastics team, and especially for Biles as she withdrew from the individual all-around competition due to the great mental toll the sport is taking on her. In an Instagram post, Biles states that her “mind and body [were] simply not in sync”. Furthermore, Biles shared a video of her at practice on uneven bars taking a dangerous fall.
Furthermore, Biles had a difficult time while performing her vault at the women’s team final. Biles has stated that she is dealing with “the twisties” a phenomenon that plagues gymnasts when they seemingly get lost in the air while doing complex routines. “The twisties,” as she explains it, are highly dangerous and can lead to serious and harmful injury.
Biles has upheld a candid nature when speaking out about the triumphs and tragedies at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo and the downfalls she experienced both at practice and in competition. In an Instagram post two weeks ago, Biles shared that she “truly [does] feel like [she has] the weight of the world on [her] shoulders at times” and while she seems to “brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect [her],” sometimes it proves to be a difficult position to uphold.
Previously, when Biles competed, her track record only became increasingly impressive. Her performances grew highly refined and she rarely ever faltered as she earned her title as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her experience at this year’s Olympics was not perfect, however, the events showcase the importance of self-discovery, failure, and humanity.
While the U.S. celebrates the wins of Suni Lee, an eighteen-year-old gold medal gymnast at this year’s Olympics, Biles continues to face backlash from the nation for her choice to place her mental and physical health first. However, this does not stop her from being forthright about her state of mind and decision to step down from the global stage for the individual all-around competition.
Biles has been a constant inspiring and uplifting keynote speaker who describes her journey to her audience by highlighting the hard work and dedication it took to be in her position. Moving forward, Biles’ journey leading to and following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, showcases true human qualities of failure and victory alike, and her future speeches will convey the hardships and struggles behind the key to success.
For a deeper insight into Biles’ hardships and successes as well as more inspiring and helpful tips, listen to the Super U Podcast with Simone Biles here.
