Just in: Simone Biles Was Depressed, Slept Constantly After Olympics Canceled…
In a candid and revealing interview, gymnastics icon Simone Biles opened up about the profound impact the postponement of the Tokyo 2024 Olympics had on her mental health. Known for her extraordinary talent and unyielding spirit, Biles admitted that the uncertainty and disruption caused by the pandemic left her feeling depressed and unmotivated, leading her to sleep constantly as a means of escape.
Biles, who had been training rigorously for the Olympics, faced an unprecedented situation when the games were postponed. The abrupt halt to her routine and the indefinite delay of her Olympic dreams took a significant toll on her mental well-being. “When the Olympics were canceled, it felt like everything I had worked for was suddenly taken away,” she shared. “I was depressed, and I found myself sleeping all the time just to avoid dealing with the reality of it all.”
For an athlete of Biles’ caliber, the postponement was more than just a delay; it was a major upheaval in her meticulously planned career. The sudden change disrupted not only her physical training but also her mental preparation, which is crucial for elite athletes. Biles described how the lack of structure and purpose during the lockdown period exacerbated her feelings of despair.
Her honesty about her struggles has shed light on the often overlooked mental health challenges faced by athletes. Biles emphasized the importance of seeking help and the need for open conversations about mental health in the sports community. “It’s okay to not be okay,” she said. “Talking about it and seeking support is so important. We need to take care of our minds just as much as our bodies.”