OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Simone Biles revealed that her family was hit with tragedy while at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Two days ago, I woke up and my aunt unexpectedly passed, and it wasn’t any easier being here at the Olympic Games,” Biles said.
“At the end of the day, people don’t understand what we are going through,” Biles said.
Biles previously announced her decision to withdraw from the team all-around finals at the Olympics in order to focus on her mental health. This sparked a large conversation about mental health.
After winning the bronze medal in the balance beam event, she told reporters those watching Olympians from home don’t know what they’re going through. She said she was dealing with the “twisties” and was struggling with spatial awareness on her dismounts.
“Definitely bringing a light to the conversation of mental health, it’s something that people go through a lot that is kind of pushed under the rug,” she said. “I feel like we’re not just entertainment, we’re humans, as well, and we have feelings.”
“It means more than all the golds because I’ve pushed through so much the last five years and the last week while I’ve even been here. It was very emotional, and I’m just proud of myself and just all of these girls, as well,” Biles concluded.
TRENDING 👇 Olympian Has Incredible Response After Winning Gold
This is refreshing to see. Amid rampant left-wing protests by U.S. athletes at the Olympics, one Olympian is showing liberals what real patriotism looks like.
Chicago-born U.S. athlete Tamyra Mensah-Stock became the first African-American woman to win gold in wrestling. What was her response? She thanked God and expressed joy at representing the United States.
While holding the American flag tightly, Mensah-Stock said, “It feels amazing. I love representing the U.S.”
“I freaking love living there. I love it, and I’m so happy I get to represent USA!” she said. She also stated, “I’m feeling very happy and I keep trying not to cry, but it keeps happening. I just wanna go into a dark room and just cry.”
“It’s by the grace of God I’m able to even move my feet,” she said. “Like I just leave it in His hands, and I pray that all the practice, that the hell that my freaking coaches put me through pays off. And every single time it does, and I get better and better and it’s so weird that there is no cap to the limit that I can do.” Watch the clip:
We need to protect this woman at all costs… An infectious beam of positivity, her spirit is undeniable. What an incredible representative of our sport and our great country. This interview is so emotional! We are SO proud of you! 🇺🇸 #TMS @MensahTamStock pic.twitter.com/372k1gpu0O
— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) August 3, 2021
