Biles Takes Break from Gymnastics: ‘I’m Not Okay’ – Star Opens Up About….
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, has taken a step back from the sport she’s dominated for years, citing ongoing mental health struggles. In an emotional statement released earlier this week, Biles shared that she is “not okay” and that the pressure of being in the spotlight, combined with the emotional toll of the recent years, had taken a significant toll on her well-being. The announcement came as a surprise to many, but for Biles, this decision was about more than just gymnastics—it was about prioritizing her mental and emotional health.
Since her breakout at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won four gold medals and cemented herself as the face of the sport, Biles has been under the constant glare of the public eye. Her flawless routines, incredible strength, and daring feats in the air have earned her worldwide fame and adoration. Yet, beneath the accolades, there has always been a heavy burden—one that has only grown heavier as Biles’ career has progressed.
Biles’ vulnerability in her recent statement is the latest chapter in a series of open discussions she has had about the mental health challenges that have come with being a world-class athlete. In Tokyo 2021, she made headlines when she withdrew from multiple events at the Summer Olympics, prioritizing her mental health over competition. At the time, Biles explained that she was battling “the twisties,” a disorienting condition that caused her to lose control of her spatial awareness during her routines, making it unsafe to continue competing. Her withdrawal was met with mixed reactions—while many praised her for being honest and brave, others criticized her for stepping away from competition at such a pivotal moment.
But Biles’ decision to take a break this week feels even more significant, given the growing focus on athletes’ mental health in recent years. The pressure to perform at the highest level, day in and day out, can weigh heavily on anyone, let alone someone like Biles, who has been the face of gymnastics for nearly a decade. “It’s a lot to handle, and honestly, I’m just not okay,” she said in her statement. “I know I’m supposed to be this strong figure, this symbol of hope and strength for so many, but I need to be honest with myself. I’ve been struggling for a while, and I need to take some time off to focus on my mental health.”
This declaration comes just a few weeks after Biles returned to competition at the 2024 World Gymnastics Championships, where she performed with her characteristic grace but revealed after the competition that she was not feeling like herself. While she landed on the podium with another medal to add to her collection, the strain was clear. “It’s hard to smile when I’m feeling this way,” she admitted. “It’s hard to perform when I don’t feel like I’m myself.”
The issue of mental health has become an increasingly important topic within the sports world, and Biles has been at the forefront of this conversation. She has been outspoken about the pressures she faces as an elite athlete and how they affect her emotional and psychological state. In a sports culture that often prioritizes winning and performance above all else, Biles has pushed back against the stigma that athletes should be able to “tough it out” and simply perform when expected to.
Biles has been a beacon of inspiration for many, especially young athletes, who look up to her for her fearlessness and determination. But in her recent comments, she has underscored a crucial point: even the strongest individuals are not immune to mental health challenges. “Just because I’m strong on the outside doesn’t mean I’m okay on the inside,” Biles wrote in a social media post. “I’m taking this time to heal and reflect on what I need in order to be my best self—not just as a gymnast, but as a person.”
Her decision to take a break from the sport has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and mental health advocates alike. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who has also spoken publicly about his battles with depression and anxiety, took to social media to offer his encouragement. “Simone, you are so much more than a gymnast,” he wrote. “You are a human being with feelings and emotions, and it’s okay to take the time you need. I’m proud of you for being so open and honest about your journey.”
Mental health experts have also praised Biles for normalizing these struggles in a space that has traditionally been focused solely on physical performance. Dr. Megan Sweeney, a clinical psychologist who works with high-level athletes, explained that Biles’ transparency helps break down the idea that athletes must be “superhuman” in order to succeed. “The pressure that athletes, especially those in individual sports like gymnastics, are under is immense. It’s refreshing to see someone like Simone take a step back and prioritize her health,” Sweeney said. “By speaking openly about her challenges, she’s showing others that it’s okay to not be okay, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
This week, Biles announced that she will be taking an indefinite break from gymnastics to focus on herself. The gymnast has been open about how the trauma of the past few years, including the ongoing fallout from the Larry Nassar abuse scandal, has left deep emotional scars. Nassar, a former team doctor for USA Gymnastics, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of athletes, including Biles. While Biles has bravely spoken about the emotional impact of the abuse, the long-lasting effects are something she continues to grapple with.
As she takes this time to heal, Biles remains an inspiration to many not just for her athletic prowess, but for her courage in confronting her inner struggles. “It’s okay to not be okay,” she wrote in her latest post, “and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”
The gymnastics world, and the sports world at large, will undoubtedly miss the grace and power that Biles brings to the mat. But for now, the most important thing is that she takes the time to heal, knowing that true strength lies in being vulnerable and authentic, no matter how high the expectations may be.
