Simone Biles’ Therapy Session Before Gold Win Highlights Importance of Mental Health

Simone Biles revealed that she attended a therapy session right before winning gold at the Olympic team final, which contributed to her calm and focused performance. After completing the vault, Biles expressed relief and noted that she didn’t experience any flashbacks.

Alongside teammates Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee, Biles helped secure the US’s fourth Olympic gold in the women’s artistic gymnastics team event. Although Hezly Rivera, the team’s youngest member, did not compete in the final, she also received a medal. This victory marked Biles’ eighth Olympic medal, making her the most decorated American gymnast in history.

Reflecting on her mental health journey in the “Making Space with Hoda Kotb” podcast, Biles discussed how therapy has become an essential part of her routine. She emphasized that addressing her mental health has lightened her load and helped her feel more free and prepared.

Biles’ openness about her mental health follows a challenging period during the Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from several events due to “the twisties,” a condition causing disorientation in the air.

Other athletes, like Michael Phelps and Naomi Osaka, have also shared their struggles with mental health. Phelps has spoken about his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, while Osaka addressed her anxiety and depression after withdrawing from major tennis tournaments. The broader issue is significant, with nearly 50 million Americans experiencing mental illness and elite athletes facing particularly high rates of anxiety and depression.