FORMATSBACK
THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY
THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY
Simone Biles did the right thing by prioritizing her mental health and exiting the Olympics, suggests Jemele Hill of The Atlantic. Her aunt died during the competition, adding heavy emotional strain. Biles is widely seen as the greatest gymnast ever. She already has many gold medals and was competing to beat a standard she had set herself. Crucially, she found that, while in midair, she lost track of her position when competing, which can be incredibly dangerous for gymnasts. Biles' decision to prioritize her own well-being can help foster a culture in competitive sports that is less draining and judgemental for those facing mental health issues.
Keep on reading at The AtlanticSimone Biles' decision to pull out of the Olympics left her team in a terrible position, writes Amber Athey of Spectator World. They relied on her unique skills and were thrust into a bad situation, where athletes ended up having to compete in events they hadn't prepared for. How did the stress of doing so affect their mental health? Even with the mistakes she was making, Biles staying in the competition would have likely helped team USA win more gold medals. She performs at such a high level that even falling during a routine would result in her outscoring others. Pulling out of the tournament was not a decision made with her team in mind.
Keep on reading at Spectator World
