Simone Biles, having earned the title of the gymnastic GOAT, didn’t get a flowery road to walk on. Her parents, Nellie and Ron, supported her through thick and thin when she didn’t have enough confidence in herself. She started her gymnastic journey at age 6 and later enrolled at Bannon’s Gymnastics. But she failed to make her way to the top, despite being well-prepared for the 2013 US Classics.
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After some heartbreaking falls and tumbles, the 26-year-old had encountered her gloomiest nightmares. Functioning on self-loathing thoughts, the Olympian almost lost it. Right then, Nellie and Ron jumped in as her supporting figures but struggled to calm their daughter down. Finally, Biles did heal, but the initiation was tough.
Simone Biles’ reluctance to seek help
Now known as the mental health advocate after the difficult 2020 Tokyo Olympics history, Biles was once unwilling to seek help. In a recent episode of Axonius, Biles’ partner since 2022, the family reunited for a hearty meal. Named as “Dinner with Biles”, the episode features her sister Adria Biles, best friend Rachel Moore, and parents Ron and Nellie Biles. Indulging in delectable dishes, the family dug up the 26-year-old’s career instances.
The 26-year-old said, “2013 Classics was for me a turning point. Not only because it was so disastrous, but afterward I got the proper help that I needed. I went to visit a sports psychologist, although I didn’t want to.” In response, the father said, “You were very reluctant, yes.”
The then 16-year-old made one disastrous display after the other at the 2013 US Secret Classic. She even confessed her disappointment, saying, “I fell almost on every event… I like landed on my face in my floor routine.” Falling off the uneven bars and ending shakily in all the routines was hard on her mental health.
However, therapy had provided her with mental strength, and with time, she stood tall as an inspiration to many. After her Tokyo Olympics ‘Twisties’, the 7X Olympic medalist had a great deal to share with the world.
The mental health advocate on the run
After seeking help through the years, the Olympian enlightened herself enough to pass on the knowledge to others. Oftentimes, she had focussed on keeping family close when the setbacks tried to swallow her determination. She said, “It’s really important to use that support system and know they’re there for you and not against you, because at the end of the day, us as humans, we hate asking for help.” Since she sought assistance at the right time, her life got easier.
Now, after so many highs and lows, she stands atop the podium with more than 34 medals across the Worlds and Olympics. In fact, her teammates learning from her every day, prove that she didn’t just qualify as an elite gymnast but a great human being as well.
