As the globe excitedly awaits the Paris Olympics, superstar gymnast Simone Biles is making headlines for her renewed focus on mental health and preparation strategies. After the challenges she faced at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles is determined to prove something vital to herself while maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.
As @Simone_Biles prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, her voice continues to shine a light on BIPOC mental health.
— kulaforkarma (@kulaforkarma) July 19, 2024
Thank you, Simone, for your courage and advocacy. 🧡 #mentalhealth #simonebiles #parisolympics #bipocmentalhealth pic.twitter.com/jg84xD1Mgy
Lessons from Tokyo and the Power of Disconnecting
Reflecting on her experiences in Tokyo, Biles revealed the significant impact of social media on her mental state. The criticism and emotional toll she endured during the games prompted her to approach Paris differently. During a forthright conversation with Hoda Kotb on TODAY, Biles emphasized the importance of limiting her exposure to social media.
“Limiting social media and stuff like that is going to be important,” Biles said. She plans to stay off X (formerly Twitter) completely during the Olympics, using Instagram and TikTok instead. “Insta is good. It’s a good way to connect,” she explained. “It’s a way to share what we’re going through. And TikTok. I’ve tried to make more TikToks; I’m not the greatest. I’m learning.”
Aiming for New Heights in Paris
Biles focuses on social media management and aims to enhance her stellar legacy. She looks forward to adding more gold medals to her collection in Paris. This goal comes three years after she withdrew from most events in Tokyo due to experiencing “the twisties,” a condition that left her disoriented midair. Despite facing harsh criticism for her decision, Biles is resolute in her belief that her primary goal is personal fulfillment.
“I would say the only thing I have to prove is to myself that I can get out there and do it again,” she stated.
Embracing Fun and Personal Growth
Biles wants her legacy to reflect her athletic achievements, joy, and passion for the sport. “As long as I was having fun and doing what I love, then that’s all you can do,” she said. “I don’t want to look back 50 years from now and be like, ‘Wow, she was good, but she was so miserable.'”
The lessons learned since Tokyo have been pivotal. “I’m a little bit older and more mature, so I’m just being unapologetically me,” Biles shared. Therapy has played a crucial role in her journey, helping her confront and release past traumas. “Therapy,” she said. “I think before, I was pushing down my trauma, and now I’ve learned to speak on it and kind of release that. I think we used to think of therapy as a weakness, and now I think of it as a strength.”
Defying Age and Setting New Standards
At 27, Biles continues to challenge the conventional age limits of gymnastics. Historically, only some gymnasts have won the all-around Olympic gold past their teenage years. However, Biles remains undeterred. Initially skeptical about her return, her coaches eventually supported her decision to train for Paris.
Biles is aware of the younger talent in the sport, such as her teammate Hezly Rivera, but she uses their presence as motivation rather than discouragement. “No, but I think there were speculations like, now you see girls like Hezly, she’s 16, and I look at her like, ‘Wow.’ She has such a long career ahead of her.”
Support System and Looking Ahead
Biles’ support system, including her husband Jonathan Owens and her parents, will be with her in Paris, providing the encouragement and comfort absent during the Tokyo Games due to the pandemic restrictions. “I think it’s going to be just like Rio, having family there to support whatever we need, but just having fun, embracing that moment, making those memories,” she said.
With all the changes and growth she has experienced since the Tokyo Olympics, Biles enters Paris with renewed confidence and determination. “I think we’re going to get the job done,” she declared. “I feel confident.”
As Biles prepares to compete on the world’s biggest stage again, she embodies resilience, strength, and the relentless pursuit of personal and athletic excellence.
Really mind-blowing to me that no one has given Simone a brand deal to increase her net worth above $16 million. If she were an NBA or NFL athlete she’d have significantly more. EVERYONE knows Simone Biles’ name. This really proves how little society values female athletes. pic.twitter.com/h52ccfFAUM
— Duchess Sexpert (@DuchessSexpert) July 17, 2024
Simone Biles’ Net Worth Soars to $16 Million in 2024
Simone Biles’ net worth has reached an impressive $16 million in 2024, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Her massive social media presence and star power have secured numerous brand ambassador deals. From gymnastics to endorsements, Biles continues to build her financial empire.
