Simone Biles: More Than Gold!
“Self-care is how you take your power back.”
— Lalah Delia
As the Olympics unfold, one story stands out remarkably: Simone Biles from the USA.
I was thrilled to watch the Olympics with Chloe and we were truly amazed by her. Her story is incredibly inspiring—despite facing mental health challenges and trauma, she won three golds and a silver at the ripe old age of 27.
Simone Biles has undeniably captured the hearts of millions worldwide with her extraordinary athleticism and unwavering determination. But beyond her gold medals and record-breaking performances, she has emerged as a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, grit, and the importance of putting your mental health first.
At a time when society often expects perfection and invincibility from athletes, Biles courageously stepped back from the spotlight to prioritize her mental well-being.
Her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics sent shockwaves through the world but also sparked a crucial conversation about the pressures faced by athletes and the need for support systems.
Her comeback to the Olympic stage is a symbol of resilience and grit. What is grit? “Grit is refusing to give up. It’s persistence. It’s making your own luck.” (Peter Diamandis Engineer, Physician, and Entrepreneur).
Despite facing immense challenges, she found the strength to return to the sport she loves and achieve unparalleled success. This demonstrates to young girls that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Simone Biles is more than just a gymnast; she is a champion for mental health, a survivor, and an inspiration to women and girls around the world. Her legacy extends far beyond the medals she has won, and her impact on society will be felt for generations to come.
As parents, educators, and mentors, we have the responsibility to highlight these incredible women and encourage our daughters to find role models who inspire them. It's essential to celebrate not just their achievements but also their journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the causes they champion.
I would encourage you to talk to your young girls about Simone’s life journey. Watch her documentary and talk about the tough things and not just the gymnastics. By sharing stories of women like Simone Biles, we can help our girls see that they, too, can survive and thrive, and make a difference. Simone Biles shows that greatness comes not just from what you achieve but from the positive impact you have on the world.