It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
Simone Biles has a name that carries weight with it, the weight of four gold, two bronze, and one silver Olympic medals. Simone became the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games, also making her the first Black woman to win four gold medals at a single Games which, yes, gives the win a different meaning. She has been labeled the “G.O.A.T” of gymnastics and has set an extremely high standard for the gymnasts she competes against. While her accomplishments are often in the spotlight, she has recently changed the narrative behind her name from an unstoppable athlete, to a normal human being. Although there are no athletes that can take her down, mental health affects everyone, and it became the beating force that stopped THE Simone Biles from competing in the Olympics.
The world was shocked when news traveled that Simone would not be competing in the Olympic individual all-around competition. But at a time when mental health awareness was at an all-time high, no one could blame her. “It’s been a long week, it’s been a long Olympic process, it’s been a long year,” Biles stated in an interview. Her exhaustion as a prized athlete with the weight of the world on her shoulders became evident the moment she decided to withdraw.
Simone functions not only as a representative for females and female athletes around the world, she also stands as an icon for the Black female population to look up to. I am not making the general claim that she is a fueling force in the ambitions they have and works as inspiration for them to succeed, because she is and that is well known. Rather, I am saying that she works to remind females, female athletes, and Black girls everywhere that it is okay NOT to be okay. Simone constantly speaks about the battles she faces and holds those responsible accountable for their actions. In 2021, Simone spoke out about the sexual abuse she faced from one of her trainers. Instead of hiding from the problem, Biles made it a well-known fact that she would not be staying silent. By speaking up and going public with the assault she faced, again, she reminded women that you can and should speak out about such issues. Not only does she serve as a reminder for all women, but as a Black woman, she reminds her fellow community that they too have a right to address any wrongdoings they are faced with. Black women have an unfortunate history of being shamed, silenced, and ignored. But Biles uses her status in an effort to shift that narrative and make the world acknowledge her feelings and theirs. Simone actively reminds women that their feelings and experiences are valid, no matter who they may be. This is recognized by her fans, supporters, and teammates everyday. “We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, while she is a role model for so many.”
Biles has worked alongside icons such as Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, Naomi Osaka, and many more female Black athletes that have paved the way not only for black women to be evident within success, but for Black women and women everywhere to be acknowledged and heard. Biles played a pivotal role in history that made it clear to the world that Black women, like any women, should have the right to their own voices and narratives. While her accomplishments have been great, her biggest accomplishment was reminding her audience that it is okay not to be okay.
