An Open Letter to Simone Biles.
Dear Simone Biles,
I’m going to be real with you, I don’t watch the Olympics. I know the key players that trend on Twitter and win all the medals, and that means you. I have a basic understanding of the highlights from your last two or so years, and that alone has left me with nothing but respect for you. You have gone through so much- good and bad, very bad- all of which revolves around your sport. I can’t imagine the polarizing feelings that alone would give you, and then to go through it all so publicly…. Publicly where everyone feels entitled to speak on you and your decisions and your life like they’ve lived it.
Again, NOTHING BUT RESPECT. You are an incredibly strong woman to have held it all together so gracefully and maintain a role model status for young girls everywhere. We as a nation, as a world, are getting to watch you conduct yourself as a 24 year old athlete better than most seasoned middle aged politicians, but well, that’s a discussion of behavior for another time that shouldn’t involve you.
So, when they announced on the news that you were pulling out of the Olympics willingly due to mental health, I can’t say I was shocked. I’m honestly shocked you went to begin with- I think it’s so admirable that you still tried, that you still trained, that you still are better than the best even at a diminished capacity. But I see why you did go. Why you did try to force yourself through the events despite not feeling yourself. Look at how people are reacting to you backing out; I know it would have been worse if you had cancelled all together. I’m sure you knew, too, and that colored your decision to keep pushing forward.
I’m glad you didn’t though. I’m glad you pulled the metaphorical plug and said, hey, no this isn’t cool guys. I’m hurting whether you can see it or not. I think that’s the strongest thing you’ve done yet. It’s so incredibly important for people- the kids and adults alike that look up to you- to see you call attention to mental health. To make it clear how vital it is to care for the mind as much as the body. Little girls everywhere will remember this moment, and remember that you took a stand for yourself, and did it unapologetically. Too often girls feel they owe people an apology for not being at 100%. That needs to stop. It’s refreshing to see it now, on such a global stage.
Simone Biles, you’re an icon, a legend, a hero, and a beacon. Don’t stop, and don’t let the negative voices (inside or out) dissuade you from anything. But never let the pressure of those looking up to you pull you down, either. Just keep being you, impressive and genuine- the right light will always get in.
Respectfully,
Rebecca Timberlake