Simone Biles, often hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time, faced immense pressure and mental health struggles that led her to consider quitting gymnastics. Despite being the most decorated gymnast ever, with five skills named after her and numerous awards, Biles revealed in 2021 that she was seriously contemplating leaving the sport. This decision shocked many because she was at the peak of her career, having achieved remarkable success including winning all-around gold at the 2019 Stuttgart World Championships.
The main reason behind her consideration to quit was not physical exhaustion but mental health issues. Biles bravely spoke out about the abuse by former US Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, which had impacted many gymnasts and contributed to her own mental health challenges. During the 2022 Summer Olympics, Biles’s decision to step back from the team finals caused controversy, with some criticizing her for not pushing through despite her struggles.
Biles later explained that her mental health was deteriorating, and she had been struggling with a condition known as the “twisties,” which affects a gymnast’s spatial awareness and increases the risk of injury. Despite this, her decision to step away was met with mixed reactions—some supported her for raising awareness of mental health issues, while others viewed it as a sign of weakness.
Biles’s impact on the sport extends beyond her athletic achievements. Her presence has drawn significant attention to gymnastics, inspiring fans and elevating the sport’s profile. If she were to retire, it would not only be a personal loss but a major setback for gymnastics as a whole. Biles’s contributions have shaped the sport in ways that might be impossible to replicate, and her departure could leave a lasting void in the gymnastics community.
In summary, while Biles’s mental health struggles and the pressures of being a top athlete are valid reasons for her considering retirement, her unique impact on gymnastics and the sport’s future make a strong case for why she should have continued.
