Like Black History Month, Women’s History Month offers the opportunity to reflect on the invaluable
role women play in shaping the course of humanity and world history. Starting with basic genetics and
biology, all human beings are incubated by and birthed through the female reproductive system, and
every human being must inherit an X chromosome from their mother to exist. Let that sink in for a second. Women not only contribute to our very existence but to our continuance as a species as well.
From politics (i.e., Cleopatra), to writers (i.e., Harriett Beecher Stowe), to scientists (i.e., Madame Curie),
to activists (i.e., Rosa Parks), women have had to be resilient and resourceful, often excelling and
achieving despite the hurdles they encounter. Navigating work-life balance, gender pay gaps, lack of
equal opportunity, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, institutional barriers, and unconscious
bias are just a few of the everyday hurdles women navigate. Despite these obstacles, women have a
demonstrated history of bravely breaking through barriers to spearhead issues that affect society at large. Simone Biles is a modern-day example of how this legacy of courage is forged.
A remarkable young woman, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of her era, Simone Biles shocked
the world by choosing to withdraw from competition during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Compounding the
shock, Simone shared that her decision was based on a mental health concern, which made headlines
around the world. Simone was also transparent about the factors that affected her emotionally, including
processing the Covid 19 pandemic, being away from the support of family, and the years of traumatic
sexual abuse she suffered during her time with USA Gymnastics.
As a sports psychiatrist who works with elite athletes across multiple sports, I understand the immense
fortitude it took for Simone, considered the greatest gymnast of all time; with multiple Olympic and
world championship medals; who had sacrificed and trained for 5 years to prepare to compete in the
Olympics; to make the courageous decision to step down based on a “mental health” issue–and then to share it publicly. For Simone to also share her journey as a survivor of sexual abuse required additional mettle. Simone admitted that she felt trepidation and expected a backlash after deciding to admit her mental health issues on the world stage.
And she had good reason to worry.
Though the mental health landscape in professional sports is evolving, many athletes and organizations
still grapple with the stigma associated with mental illness. In traditional, alpha-dominant sports settings
that privilege self-sufficiency, invulnerability, and mental toughness, mental health issues are not
typically discussed or endorsed. Accordingly, many athletes are reluctant to admit when they need mental or emotional support. The last thing they want is to be thought of as “crazy,” be perceived as weak, or be considered as a liability to the team. The result? Many athletes suffer in silence, with some relying on unhealthy habits, or substance use to get them through grueling training, performance, and travel demands.
By publicly stating that she was prioritizing her mental health, Simone broke through the traditional
barriers within sports culture that preclude public discussions about athletes’ mental health. Her
transparency opened a worldwide dialogue on the subject. Her status and success combined with her candor around her struggles helped destigmatize mental illness for many and signaled that asking for help was a sign of strength—not weakness. In so doing, she paved the way for other athletes and sports
organizations to openly discuss the importance of mental health in sports culture.
Simone’s decision to take some time off after the 2020 Olympics to prioritize her mental health, despite
her own fears and the public scrutiny, was based on her steadfast commitment to her self-care and
emotional well-being. Though quickly labeled a mental health advocate in the press, Simone readily
admitted that she initially did not see herself as an advocate, in the traditional sense, because she was “not an expert” in mental health matters. Rather, she wanted to share her journey with the hope that it might empower other athletes who struggle with mental health conditions. To this end, Simone has openly shared her self-care strategies, which included seeking professional counseling, using mental health apps, taking strategic breaks from social media, spending time with her emotional support networks, and becoming actively involved in community service.
Simone’s journey offers a living roadmap to a unique resilience strategy that hinges on maintaining
a fierce competitive spirit while embracing vulnerability. In 2023, the world saw her resilience in action.
Returning to the professional arena at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium, Simone not only excelled in competition but won multiple gold medals. Her steadfast determination and extraordinary courage continue to inspire the world and honor the trailblazing legacy of remarkable women in the history of sports.
We look forward to seeing Simone display her indomitable spirit and legendary talents once more at the
53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, scheduled for October 2025.
About The Author: Derek H. Suite, M.D., M.S. is a leading sports psychiatrist, board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and an Assistant Professor at Columbia University. He is the founder and executive chairman of Full Circle Confidential which provides expert consultation to multiple iconic sports franchises. He is the host of the motivational Suite Spot Podcast.