When the news first broke about Simone Biles pulling out of the team gymnastics finals at the Tokyo Olympics, my initial thought was that this was a decision that would plague her for the rest of her life. It’s been eye opening to realize that what first looked like a disappointing decision was actually a difficult but heroic choice. Even more interesting is understanding that it probably won’t be one she comes to regret.
I was a competitive gymnast my whole life; I competed since I was 7 years old all the way through Division 1 in college and I’ve had such a flood of emotions since I got up at 6:45am to watch it live with my 7 year old. When she vaulted, I audibly gasped. I think to an “untrained eye”, her vault didn’t look so bad, but I instantly knew what happened and all my former teammates and I started texting…she’s got the twisties. Then I saw her mouth to her coach “I don’t trust my body anymore” and I knew it was done. At that point, the risk of severe injury was too high and she knew enough to give her teammates the best chance at getting a medal. She made a brave choice, yes, but honestly, the only choice an athlete or coach should ever make in a situation like that.
It’s interesting…because she described it as a “mental issue” and not a physical one, the conversation, naturally, turned to mental health. I’m not sure that’s exactly what she intended, but I’m thrilled the conversation is happening because it’s LONG overdue.
The criticism I’ve seen have ranged from unfairly harsh (“quitter”) to absurdly irrelevant (“what if a firefighter or police officer decided they were too scared to do their job) and it’s making me feel similar feelings to when people make absurd comparisons between vaccines and the Holocaust.
Anyway…I guess what I’ll end with is that Simone Biles made a decision that was best for her, her teammates, and her country and then proceeded to be the most supportive spectator in the world. She spoke to the media all day and was honest and forthcoming. Anyone who finds fault in any of those things isn’t worth listening to.
I have a question. Is the twisties something that happens to every gymnast at some point? Or is it unusual? Like would Biles have experienced this before? Or is this more likely her first time? I'm just curious how hard it is to come back from.
Simone has said she has experienced them before. She says they typically last about two weeks and don’t impact all skills. So previously it may impact vault and uneven bars but not beam, for example. From what she has been posting this time it is impacting almost all of the events she participates in. She says the way out is through it, going back to basics, practicing on soft surfaces and pits. It really does sound like her body/mind got a cold and she just has to wait it out. She’s practicing daily trying to get her center and awareness back.
They’re something most if not all gymnastics at a certain level experience. I wouldn’t expect a recreational gymnast to experience this - but those who are doing tricks that involve multiple twists/flips, I don’t really know anyone who hasn’t. Simone mentioned in a Q&A on Instagram yesterday that she has experienced it before and it’s lasted a few weeks. The difference between her and most gymnasts on earth is that she’s throwing the hardest skills any gymnast ever has, so the risk associated with this is greater for her than, theoretically, anyone else ever.
I watched her posts on Instagram where she shows her practice sessions landing on soft surfaces. It looks so frustrating.
It angers me that people jumped to “she’s letting her team mates down” or “she’s letting the USA down.” She owes us nothing.
As a Black woman she is again being treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master. It’s gross. This woman is at the Olympics because she knew if she wasn’t USA gymnastics wouldn’t take the assault of her peers seriously.
She’s gone above and beyond to explain what’s happening in hopes that people will understand… understand that she didn’t quit, she didn’t just get disappointed in a vault and decide, “meh, not today.” This isn’t about regretting the decision. She’s pissed she has the twisties. This wasn’t the plan. It’s truly inconvenient. But she has not much control over it and you see that as you watch her practice.
Also, she owes us all NOTHING. We have done ZERO for her as a Black woman living in the USA. People are having opinions like she promised them her gold, like they invested their time, their money, or gave her their kidney so she could perform.
However she moves through this, I will respect it. You know, I’m not a gymnast. Some days I can’t manage to put a bra on. Today I forgot where the day camp drop off was for my little. I haven’t been able to remember what day it is because this week has been hard. I’m not letting other people have opinions on any of that so why should I get to impose my opinion on her and her work?!
She’s worked tremendously hard. From where I sit she’s worked tirelessly for years and if she didn’t have a disconnect I’m guessing she would be glad to compete. But it’s not a life requirement. She’s brilliant. And she is sooooo much more than her medals and accomplishments on the gym floor. She’s an extraordinary human being.
Prior to stepping down she thought her worth was tied to her accomplishments. Can you imagine the strength of character and courage it takes to feel the whole world, literally, devalue you and still stand in your own self and say, “I will not die today.” Sure, she says she feels an outpouring of support now, but when she made the decision she didn’t know that was there. That blows me away. What must that have taken?!
We are being given a master class in humanness and honoring of self by a Black woman. She’s a living embodiment that when Black people are lifted up we all benefit. This conversation about the mind/body connection is loooooong overdue and we are having it quite literally on the back of a Black woman trying to find her connection again.
I agree with you and you said it so well. I am trying to understand why race has anything to do with this. If Simone Biles is "treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master. It’s gross." -- and this may be true -- but then doesn't that mean this applies to the entire team? Which clearly all have different color skin and different heritages. If Jade Carey had done the exact same thing, why would we perceive that any differently? If it were Jade Carey, would you be upset with me if I said that she was honoring herself as a White Woman? That's why I ask these questions.
Simone Biles is definitely an embodiment of how when people are lifted up, we all benefit.
Let’s start with “would you be upset with me if I said Jade Carey would be honoring herself as a white woman.” White women and whiteness are valued and glorified everywhere. Institutionalized racism is well documented. White women are prized so much so that they can lie about a Black man looking at them wrong and while communities will come to their “rescue” and linch and murder Black men for their honor. White women go missing and the whole community comes out to find them. Black women go missing and it doesn’t even make the news and police often don’t blink an eye. Again, this racism is clearly documented. As for the Olympics, the institutionalized racism is documented. White women are ALWAYS valued. Simone can’t even get proper scoring for her routines. Sure, they say it’s because what she does is dangerous but literally everything they do at that level is dangerous. “It’s telling Michael Jordan to score 20 points per game and no more… It’s like if… we told Venus and Serena [Williams] ‘let’s not break 100 miles per hour, please.’” (Dave Lease) would a figure scatter be downgraded for landing quads?
The reason for the low scoring is because institutionalized racism cannot accept the dominance of a Black woman that is so far from anyone else. Simone herself has said, “they don’t like that I win all the time.” That is institutionalized racism.
It is inappropriate for you to dismiss my comment, “(Simone) is treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master,” by saying “this may be true.” I say this to you from a point of education about your comment. People learning to understand racism often dismiss racism when it is pointed out to them and they say some version of this. What you have said is “until you can convince me that this lives up to my definition of racism I have decided it is not racism and thus it can’t be until I decide it is.” This again is white supremacy. I have no idea what color or heritage you are but I can guarantee you that you’re not a Black woman. You just erased Black from her story as if it doesn’t matter… because it’s not important to you in this moment. But it’s extremely important and quite frankly it’s the crux of it all.
Black women have documented how they must live up to impossible standards, be beyond perfect, are not supported, and demonized, and again, this is well documented. You can start with reading what Michelle Obama says about her experience in the White House if you would like to educate yourself further. You can see what happened to Megan Markle.
To say, “Simone Biles is definitely an embodiment of how when people are lifted up, we all benefit,” is you telling me that, “All Lives Matter.” I was specific. I said “Black people.” In one fell swoop you have erased Black people and their experiences and stories and our need to lift THEM up. And again, it is clearly documented how when we just lift white people, we do not all benefit. The Nazis tried this. It didn’t work out. We actively live in a system of white supremacy and no, we are not all lifted.
Lifting Black people requires the dismantling of the systems in place that require white supremacy. Simone is single handedly dismantling the systems that require you to perform even if it will kill you. Kerri Shrug didn’t inspire us to have a conversation about this. No one looked at her performance and said, “who are we that this kid had to put herself on the line like that?” In 1980 When Elena Mukhina broke her neck doing a skill she specifically told her coach, “I’m going to break my neck doing this,” no one said, “maybe we need to listen to the gymnasts.” Elena was paralyzed and died young of complications.
In lifting herself up and saying, “I will not perform when it’s not safe,” she is taking down a system of white supremacy. Have you read all the comments from people saying she let her country down and she should have gone ahead and taken one for the team? Have you read how people are angry with her? People who have zero understanding of the mechanics or level of performance. Simone standing up to all that is revolutionary. By simply being herself she is a revolution.
As you are trying to learn about racism and white supremacy I would ask yourself why there’s a desire to ask “what about white people.” What threat has been posed that you find this necessary. When someone says, “Save the trees,” do you respond by saying “what about save the whales?” Or if someone says, “Save the whales,” do you respond, “what about dolphins as they are quite similar to whales and live in the same bodies of water?”
I wish we could understand that Black people are not a threat but rather white supremacy is. Again, Simone is showing us that when BLACK people are lifted, we all benefit. I stand by that.
Actually, you just made a lot of replies to statements that I did not make and beliefs that I do not believe. I did not say Simone Biles does not face any racism. I know about her problem with not being scored correctly and that is racism and probably sexism, too.
I did not say white supremacy does not exist or is not a problem.
I asked, why is Simone's decision to drop out, all about her being a black women and not representative or meaningful for all women or all people? I am not asking "what about white people?" I am asking, why is all about Simone being black when clearly the system in American gymnastics (and likely most other countries around the world) is harmful and dangerous for ALL the young ladies and the young men, too. All colors, all backgrounds. So is it still white supremacy?
Maybe it is. So my next question is, if we label these problems with the gymnastics organizations white supremacy, do you think white suprmacy hurts all colors including whites? It certainly hurt Kerry and Elena, but it is hurting people of all colors now, too.
Yes, of course I know people are hating on Simone for dropping out. I completely disagree with them. But their arguments also are not because Simone is black. Their arguments would apply to anyone who dropped out. Of course there are some stupid racists who are mean to Simone just because she's a black woman. But the general argument that she should not have quit has nothing to do with her color, and everything to do with not understanding the risk to Simone's health and life if she continued. Or they are just ignorant to think she should have continued no matter what.
It is outstanding what Simone is doing! She already has and is making a difference and paving the way for all gymnasts and even athletes in other sports. And I am thankful and proud of her because she's an American.
I encourage you to continue to read answers to your questions directly from Black people and Simone Biles themselves.
You are continuing to All Lives Matter this dialogue and I cannot participate in that further. Please continue your education in anti-racism.
The one question I will answer here is, “So I think all colors including whites are hurt by white supremacy?” YES. Absolutely. Again, this is well documented.
As someone who played elite sports for much of my childhood and young adult life and was on track for the Olympic circuit until a career ending injury - I was really shocked when I heard about Simone. I was just flooded that she would do this, take herself out of a competition. Can someone even do that? Then I felt so sad, then worried for what what everyone might say about her, then frustrated that she found herself in this position, and then sad again reflecting on my own experiences.
But as I talked about it with my 11 year old daughter my daughter said she was really excited and proud and now thought of her with more admiration than ever. She said, “I have never heard of anyone doing this before Mom, not on this scale, not a woman, not anyone, how brave she is. People need to care about their mental health. If you don’t care about yourself enough to take yourself out of a bad situation who will? Mom, did you ever compete when you were not mentally there? Did your coaches ever tell you to continue when you were hurt?” and I said “yes, all the time”. It happened so much you don’t even realize it. It’s just part of the sport.
I then told her. “This is why I don’t have you do elite sports. I want you to have a childhood and not be worried about your weight or your looks or being the best all the time”
Then she said, “well Simone has probably done more for mental health in one day then most people do in a lifetime. She already is an Olympic star, but she now has given her teammate the chance to be one too. She has made her mental health her priority and I for one will always do that too.”
I was 7 during the Atlanta Olympics. Dominique Moceanu and Kerri Strug were my heroes as a young girl. Knowing that my daughter will have women who are known for their willingness to say “my health and safety come first” makes my mama heart proud. Maybe her career will be able to continue because she was willing to step away, that is her choice. Maybe the world would have been able to see my childhood heroes compete past their teens if the abuse and “win at all costs” mindset had never been given a place to grow.
When I woke up to the news that Simone had withdrawn from the remaining events in the Team competition, I never once questioned whether or not it was the right decision. Simone Biles is a master of the sport, and if she does not believe she can compete, she person who I trust to make that decision. I texted my family group chat (we follow women's gymnastics, not just during the Olympics) and told them - This is huge. The fact that Simone can CHOOSE not to compete today, to make the decision that she believes is right, means that a lot has changed in the (very corrupt) sport of Women's Gymnastics. And my heart exploded. Because this isn't just about prioritizing your mental health - it's about prioritizing your worth. Simone's action spoke to the entire world that the young women of gymnastics are worth more than a gold medal every four years.
At first I thought Simone was letting down the team, that all the hype around being the GOAT had gotten to her, and that she didn’t have mental toughness. But the more I read and heard her , the more I understood that continuing could have cost her her her life. Seeing how poised she has been under the unimaginable pressure and ridicule, how supportive her teammates have been of her, has changed my mind. I do think she’s a champion no matter what.
I remember Strug’s vault. I was just a bit older than you Ilana and I watched every second. I see that moment very differently now. I see her psychologically abusive coach, the sexual abuse perpetrated by Larry Nassar, and can’t help but feel so sad for those girls in 96, who should have been protected by Karoli but instead were pushed by him to win at all costs.
I do wish someone has been even more protective of Biles, because I do think all the interviews and hype contributed to her getting the twisties and not being in a good mental space.
I think most importantly for me - she as defied the notion that greatness in sport comes at all cost - with ultimate sacrifice - that the athlete must leave it all out there, even if it means injury. Nothing is that important and I am glad "we" might finally be willing to acknowledge that moving forward.
I think it's amazing what Simone did. It takes a lot of courage to be able to say "this is where I stop". I think that also opens a new path, where it's ok to prioritize your mental health to athletes and also for average people. We, as a society, usually forget that mental health is more important, or equal, to physical health, without the mind, you can't move the body
It's so interesting to watch her handle this situation and the grace and confidence she is displaying is admirable. As you mentioned, I come from a generation where we would think we had to tough it out and be brave and quite honestly there have been situations in life where I have done this (and still do this) and this situation with Simone has made me realize that there are times when I am trying to tough it out that I am actually not helping anyone and definitely hurting myself. Simone is a truly wonderful example for the rest of us and I wish her every success as she does what she needs to do to recover and feel 100% ready to participate again!
I was disappointed for Simone, not in her. I feel she’s so brave and honest and a really great example that we all at times need to take care of ourselves. Overall I am enjoying watching and cheering for the USA and when the athletes cry, I cry with them.
A great reminder that we can learn from everyone!! Regardless of age, talent, race, sex..! I am in awe of her thoughtfulness in that decision and her pride for her teammates!!
I was already a mom during the Kerri Strug incident so I was horrified that everyone let her perform while injured. I'm not a huge sports fan, so it was a decision that didn't make sense to me even then. I applaud Simone for doing what is best for her. She IS more than her gymnastics skills and deserves the best even if she never does another flip.
She will always be one of the greatest gymnasts ever, regardless of what happens at these Olympics. It’s very absurd the amount of pressure that the media puts on teenagers and young adults in these situations. While I love Simone and respect her doing what she needed to do, I have to say I am equally thrilled watching the rest of the team rise to the occasion and shine. Suni Lee taking gold made me so happy for her!!
In general I am a huge sucker for the Olympics and all these human interest stories. I love the swimming as much as the gymnastics 😍
Well written Ilana. I feel so proud of this young lady that I have never met. As soon as I saw her vault and throw her arms out, I knew there was a problem. I am proud that she had the bravery to speak up and knew what was best for her, and the team. It time the US and the world places more importance on athletes physical and mental health, instead of winning games and medals.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as mental illness in my immediate family, I am so happy to be having this conversation with my kids. I have already prepped them for those mini anxieties in life, but to have such a role model step back and make a statement like this, means the world for those who suffer from these kinds of things. I never could have imagined Simone being more of a role model than she did by taking a step back for her mental and overall health.
I disagree about Kerri Strug - while I doubt she felt she had a choice, if I was in her shoes, I 100% would have chosen to do that vault. After training an entire life with a gold medal on the line - If I could compete, I would have. This is the Olympics people, not recreational sports. Simone's situation was a bit different since she couldn't compete and her pulling out was better for the team and the team could cover for her.
Also minor fact check on your article - at the time of Kerri's vault, Russia was still competing on floor exercise. It was thought the US needed Kerri's vault and it wasn't known until later when Russia finished on floor (floor takes longer than vault), that her last vault wasn't actually needed.
Arguably (and in hindsight), the decision to have Kerri do her second vault wasn't great as an overall Olympic strategy for her. That was the first competition, and this was before the scoring was changed (2006). There were seven gymnasts on the team, six members could compete on each apparatus, and the lowest score was dropped (post-2006, this is no longer the case - no scores are dropped in the Team event). So they truly did not need Kerri's vault score -they were trying to replace Dominique's. It was never necessary for Kerri's second vault, but the Karolyi's wanted GOLD (at this point, they knew they were going to medal). The thing is, there was potential for more medals if they would've sat her out on vault and immediately started recovery. She could have competed days later for Individual All-Around or for Apparatus finals.
No American medaled for Individual All-Around that year. Although Kerri received the most media attention for her famous vault, she was not the highest scoring gymnast on the team - that was Shannon Miller who placed 8th in Individual All-Around, so it's unlikely that Kerri would have medaled in that. But Kerri had qualified first in floor exercise and fourth for vault, so she had high potential of medaling in two individual apparatus events. So would Kerri have chosen to vault if he had a moment to consider that if she just sat it out, she still had the potential to earn two individual medals? Who knows. But I'm not sure if it's as simple as, "This is the Olympics, people!" because her Olympics didn't have to end when it did.
Would Kerri's career have continued much longer after the 1996 Olympics, had she not been severely injured on vault? Unlikely - again, this is pre-2006 when everyone was going for a perfect 10 and judging was based on "lines" rather than difficulty. And, since so much of women's gymnastics at the time was based on the physical appearance and having a pre-pubescent-looking body, the overall age for competitive gymnasts was much lower.
I can understand why everyone wants to make the comparison to Kerri Strug, but it's far from apples-to-apples because the rules and requirements for women's gymnastics in 1996 were very different than today in 2021. It's changed from an event which was scored on the artistry of performance to a sport which scores on the difficulty of the skill. The skills the women gymnasts do today requires much more athleticism and is also far more dangerous.
I was a competitive gymnast my whole life; I competed since I was 7 years old all the way through Division 1 in college and I’ve had such a flood of emotions since I got up at 6:45am to watch it live with my 7 year old. When she vaulted, I audibly gasped. I think to an “untrained eye”, her vault didn’t look so bad, but I instantly knew what happened and all my former teammates and I started texting…she’s got the twisties. Then I saw her mouth to her coach “I don’t trust my body anymore” and I knew it was done. At that point, the risk of severe injury was too high and she knew enough to give her teammates the best chance at getting a medal. She made a brave choice, yes, but honestly, the only choice an athlete or coach should ever make in a situation like that.
It’s interesting…because she described it as a “mental issue” and not a physical one, the conversation, naturally, turned to mental health. I’m not sure that’s exactly what she intended, but I’m thrilled the conversation is happening because it’s LONG overdue.
The criticism I’ve seen have ranged from unfairly harsh (“quitter”) to absurdly irrelevant (“what if a firefighter or police officer decided they were too scared to do their job) and it’s making me feel similar feelings to when people make absurd comparisons between vaccines and the Holocaust.
Anyway…I guess what I’ll end with is that Simone Biles made a decision that was best for her, her teammates, and her country and then proceeded to be the most supportive spectator in the world. She spoke to the media all day and was honest and forthcoming. Anyone who finds fault in any of those things isn’t worth listening to.
I have a question. Is the twisties something that happens to every gymnast at some point? Or is it unusual? Like would Biles have experienced this before? Or is this more likely her first time? I'm just curious how hard it is to come back from.
Simone has said she has experienced them before. She says they typically last about two weeks and don’t impact all skills. So previously it may impact vault and uneven bars but not beam, for example. From what she has been posting this time it is impacting almost all of the events she participates in. She says the way out is through it, going back to basics, practicing on soft surfaces and pits. It really does sound like her body/mind got a cold and she just has to wait it out. She’s practicing daily trying to get her center and awareness back.
They’re something most if not all gymnastics at a certain level experience. I wouldn’t expect a recreational gymnast to experience this - but those who are doing tricks that involve multiple twists/flips, I don’t really know anyone who hasn’t. Simone mentioned in a Q&A on Instagram yesterday that she has experienced it before and it’s lasted a few weeks. The difference between her and most gymnasts on earth is that she’s throwing the hardest skills any gymnast ever has, so the risk associated with this is greater for her than, theoretically, anyone else ever.
Thank you for your reply!
I watched her posts on Instagram where she shows her practice sessions landing on soft surfaces. It looks so frustrating.
It angers me that people jumped to “she’s letting her team mates down” or “she’s letting the USA down.” She owes us nothing.
As a Black woman she is again being treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master. It’s gross. This woman is at the Olympics because she knew if she wasn’t USA gymnastics wouldn’t take the assault of her peers seriously.
She’s gone above and beyond to explain what’s happening in hopes that people will understand… understand that she didn’t quit, she didn’t just get disappointed in a vault and decide, “meh, not today.” This isn’t about regretting the decision. She’s pissed she has the twisties. This wasn’t the plan. It’s truly inconvenient. But she has not much control over it and you see that as you watch her practice.
Also, she owes us all NOTHING. We have done ZERO for her as a Black woman living in the USA. People are having opinions like she promised them her gold, like they invested their time, their money, or gave her their kidney so she could perform.
However she moves through this, I will respect it. You know, I’m not a gymnast. Some days I can’t manage to put a bra on. Today I forgot where the day camp drop off was for my little. I haven’t been able to remember what day it is because this week has been hard. I’m not letting other people have opinions on any of that so why should I get to impose my opinion on her and her work?!
She’s worked tremendously hard. From where I sit she’s worked tirelessly for years and if she didn’t have a disconnect I’m guessing she would be glad to compete. But it’s not a life requirement. She’s brilliant. And she is sooooo much more than her medals and accomplishments on the gym floor. She’s an extraordinary human being.
Prior to stepping down she thought her worth was tied to her accomplishments. Can you imagine the strength of character and courage it takes to feel the whole world, literally, devalue you and still stand in your own self and say, “I will not die today.” Sure, she says she feels an outpouring of support now, but when she made the decision she didn’t know that was there. That blows me away. What must that have taken?!
We are being given a master class in humanness and honoring of self by a Black woman. She’s a living embodiment that when Black people are lifted up we all benefit. This conversation about the mind/body connection is loooooong overdue and we are having it quite literally on the back of a Black woman trying to find her connection again.
She’s extraordinary. She is the GOAT. Period.
I agree with you and you said it so well. I am trying to understand why race has anything to do with this. If Simone Biles is "treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master. It’s gross." -- and this may be true -- but then doesn't that mean this applies to the entire team? Which clearly all have different color skin and different heritages. If Jade Carey had done the exact same thing, why would we perceive that any differently? If it were Jade Carey, would you be upset with me if I said that she was honoring herself as a White Woman? That's why I ask these questions.
Simone Biles is definitely an embodiment of how when people are lifted up, we all benefit.
Let’s start with “would you be upset with me if I said Jade Carey would be honoring herself as a white woman.” White women and whiteness are valued and glorified everywhere. Institutionalized racism is well documented. White women are prized so much so that they can lie about a Black man looking at them wrong and while communities will come to their “rescue” and linch and murder Black men for their honor. White women go missing and the whole community comes out to find them. Black women go missing and it doesn’t even make the news and police often don’t blink an eye. Again, this racism is clearly documented. As for the Olympics, the institutionalized racism is documented. White women are ALWAYS valued. Simone can’t even get proper scoring for her routines. Sure, they say it’s because what she does is dangerous but literally everything they do at that level is dangerous. “It’s telling Michael Jordan to score 20 points per game and no more… It’s like if… we told Venus and Serena [Williams] ‘let’s not break 100 miles per hour, please.’” (Dave Lease) would a figure scatter be downgraded for landing quads?
The reason for the low scoring is because institutionalized racism cannot accept the dominance of a Black woman that is so far from anyone else. Simone herself has said, “they don’t like that I win all the time.” That is institutionalized racism.
It is inappropriate for you to dismiss my comment, “(Simone) is treated as property, as a prized cow who is only valuable if she performs for the master,” by saying “this may be true.” I say this to you from a point of education about your comment. People learning to understand racism often dismiss racism when it is pointed out to them and they say some version of this. What you have said is “until you can convince me that this lives up to my definition of racism I have decided it is not racism and thus it can’t be until I decide it is.” This again is white supremacy. I have no idea what color or heritage you are but I can guarantee you that you’re not a Black woman. You just erased Black from her story as if it doesn’t matter… because it’s not important to you in this moment. But it’s extremely important and quite frankly it’s the crux of it all.
Black women have documented how they must live up to impossible standards, be beyond perfect, are not supported, and demonized, and again, this is well documented. You can start with reading what Michelle Obama says about her experience in the White House if you would like to educate yourself further. You can see what happened to Megan Markle.
To say, “Simone Biles is definitely an embodiment of how when people are lifted up, we all benefit,” is you telling me that, “All Lives Matter.” I was specific. I said “Black people.” In one fell swoop you have erased Black people and their experiences and stories and our need to lift THEM up. And again, it is clearly documented how when we just lift white people, we do not all benefit. The Nazis tried this. It didn’t work out. We actively live in a system of white supremacy and no, we are not all lifted.
Lifting Black people requires the dismantling of the systems in place that require white supremacy. Simone is single handedly dismantling the systems that require you to perform even if it will kill you. Kerri Shrug didn’t inspire us to have a conversation about this. No one looked at her performance and said, “who are we that this kid had to put herself on the line like that?” In 1980 When Elena Mukhina broke her neck doing a skill she specifically told her coach, “I’m going to break my neck doing this,” no one said, “maybe we need to listen to the gymnasts.” Elena was paralyzed and died young of complications.
In lifting herself up and saying, “I will not perform when it’s not safe,” she is taking down a system of white supremacy. Have you read all the comments from people saying she let her country down and she should have gone ahead and taken one for the team? Have you read how people are angry with her? People who have zero understanding of the mechanics or level of performance. Simone standing up to all that is revolutionary. By simply being herself she is a revolution.
As you are trying to learn about racism and white supremacy I would ask yourself why there’s a desire to ask “what about white people.” What threat has been posed that you find this necessary. When someone says, “Save the trees,” do you respond by saying “what about save the whales?” Or if someone says, “Save the whales,” do you respond, “what about dolphins as they are quite similar to whales and live in the same bodies of water?”
I wish we could understand that Black people are not a threat but rather white supremacy is. Again, Simone is showing us that when BLACK people are lifted, we all benefit. I stand by that.
Actually, you just made a lot of replies to statements that I did not make and beliefs that I do not believe. I did not say Simone Biles does not face any racism. I know about her problem with not being scored correctly and that is racism and probably sexism, too.
I did not say white supremacy does not exist or is not a problem.
I asked, why is Simone's decision to drop out, all about her being a black women and not representative or meaningful for all women or all people? I am not asking "what about white people?" I am asking, why is all about Simone being black when clearly the system in American gymnastics (and likely most other countries around the world) is harmful and dangerous for ALL the young ladies and the young men, too. All colors, all backgrounds. So is it still white supremacy?
Maybe it is. So my next question is, if we label these problems with the gymnastics organizations white supremacy, do you think white suprmacy hurts all colors including whites? It certainly hurt Kerry and Elena, but it is hurting people of all colors now, too.
Yes, of course I know people are hating on Simone for dropping out. I completely disagree with them. But their arguments also are not because Simone is black. Their arguments would apply to anyone who dropped out. Of course there are some stupid racists who are mean to Simone just because she's a black woman. But the general argument that she should not have quit has nothing to do with her color, and everything to do with not understanding the risk to Simone's health and life if she continued. Or they are just ignorant to think she should have continued no matter what.
It is outstanding what Simone is doing! She already has and is making a difference and paving the way for all gymnasts and even athletes in other sports. And I am thankful and proud of her because she's an American.
I encourage you to continue to read answers to your questions directly from Black people and Simone Biles themselves.
You are continuing to All Lives Matter this dialogue and I cannot participate in that further. Please continue your education in anti-racism.
The one question I will answer here is, “So I think all colors including whites are hurt by white supremacy?” YES. Absolutely. Again, this is well documented.
As someone who played elite sports for much of my childhood and young adult life and was on track for the Olympic circuit until a career ending injury - I was really shocked when I heard about Simone. I was just flooded that she would do this, take herself out of a competition. Can someone even do that? Then I felt so sad, then worried for what what everyone might say about her, then frustrated that she found herself in this position, and then sad again reflecting on my own experiences.
But as I talked about it with my 11 year old daughter my daughter said she was really excited and proud and now thought of her with more admiration than ever. She said, “I have never heard of anyone doing this before Mom, not on this scale, not a woman, not anyone, how brave she is. People need to care about their mental health. If you don’t care about yourself enough to take yourself out of a bad situation who will? Mom, did you ever compete when you were not mentally there? Did your coaches ever tell you to continue when you were hurt?” and I said “yes, all the time”. It happened so much you don’t even realize it. It’s just part of the sport.
I then told her. “This is why I don’t have you do elite sports. I want you to have a childhood and not be worried about your weight or your looks or being the best all the time”
Then she said, “well Simone has probably done more for mental health in one day then most people do in a lifetime. She already is an Olympic star, but she now has given her teammate the chance to be one too. She has made her mental health her priority and I for one will always do that too.”
So yeah, Simone is the GOAT for sure.
I was 7 during the Atlanta Olympics. Dominique Moceanu and Kerri Strug were my heroes as a young girl. Knowing that my daughter will have women who are known for their willingness to say “my health and safety come first” makes my mama heart proud. Maybe her career will be able to continue because she was willing to step away, that is her choice. Maybe the world would have been able to see my childhood heroes compete past their teens if the abuse and “win at all costs” mindset had never been given a place to grow.
When I woke up to the news that Simone had withdrawn from the remaining events in the Team competition, I never once questioned whether or not it was the right decision. Simone Biles is a master of the sport, and if she does not believe she can compete, she person who I trust to make that decision. I texted my family group chat (we follow women's gymnastics, not just during the Olympics) and told them - This is huge. The fact that Simone can CHOOSE not to compete today, to make the decision that she believes is right, means that a lot has changed in the (very corrupt) sport of Women's Gymnastics. And my heart exploded. Because this isn't just about prioritizing your mental health - it's about prioritizing your worth. Simone's action spoke to the entire world that the young women of gymnastics are worth more than a gold medal every four years.
And to add to that, women everywhere are worth more than their accomplishments.
At first I thought Simone was letting down the team, that all the hype around being the GOAT had gotten to her, and that she didn’t have mental toughness. But the more I read and heard her , the more I understood that continuing could have cost her her her life. Seeing how poised she has been under the unimaginable pressure and ridicule, how supportive her teammates have been of her, has changed my mind. I do think she’s a champion no matter what.
I remember Strug’s vault. I was just a bit older than you Ilana and I watched every second. I see that moment very differently now. I see her psychologically abusive coach, the sexual abuse perpetrated by Larry Nassar, and can’t help but feel so sad for those girls in 96, who should have been protected by Karoli but instead were pushed by him to win at all costs.
I do wish someone has been even more protective of Biles, because I do think all the interviews and hype contributed to her getting the twisties and not being in a good mental space.
I think most importantly for me - she as defied the notion that greatness in sport comes at all cost - with ultimate sacrifice - that the athlete must leave it all out there, even if it means injury. Nothing is that important and I am glad "we" might finally be willing to acknowledge that moving forward.
*has* - I really wish I could edit.
I think it's amazing what Simone did. It takes a lot of courage to be able to say "this is where I stop". I think that also opens a new path, where it's ok to prioritize your mental health to athletes and also for average people. We, as a society, usually forget that mental health is more important, or equal, to physical health, without the mind, you can't move the body
It's so interesting to watch her handle this situation and the grace and confidence she is displaying is admirable. As you mentioned, I come from a generation where we would think we had to tough it out and be brave and quite honestly there have been situations in life where I have done this (and still do this) and this situation with Simone has made me realize that there are times when I am trying to tough it out that I am actually not helping anyone and definitely hurting myself. Simone is a truly wonderful example for the rest of us and I wish her every success as she does what she needs to do to recover and feel 100% ready to participate again!
I was disappointed for Simone, not in her. I feel she’s so brave and honest and a really great example that we all at times need to take care of ourselves. Overall I am enjoying watching and cheering for the USA and when the athletes cry, I cry with them.
A great reminder that we can learn from everyone!! Regardless of age, talent, race, sex..! I am in awe of her thoughtfulness in that decision and her pride for her teammates!!
I was already a mom during the Kerri Strug incident so I was horrified that everyone let her perform while injured. I'm not a huge sports fan, so it was a decision that didn't make sense to me even then. I applaud Simone for doing what is best for her. She IS more than her gymnastics skills and deserves the best even if she never does another flip.
She will always be one of the greatest gymnasts ever, regardless of what happens at these Olympics. It’s very absurd the amount of pressure that the media puts on teenagers and young adults in these situations. While I love Simone and respect her doing what she needed to do, I have to say I am equally thrilled watching the rest of the team rise to the occasion and shine. Suni Lee taking gold made me so happy for her!!
In general I am a huge sucker for the Olympics and all these human interest stories. I love the swimming as much as the gymnastics 😍
Well written Ilana. I feel so proud of this young lady that I have never met. As soon as I saw her vault and throw her arms out, I knew there was a problem. I am proud that she had the bravery to speak up and knew what was best for her, and the team. It time the US and the world places more importance on athletes physical and mental health, instead of winning games and medals.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as mental illness in my immediate family, I am so happy to be having this conversation with my kids. I have already prepped them for those mini anxieties in life, but to have such a role model step back and make a statement like this, means the world for those who suffer from these kinds of things. I never could have imagined Simone being more of a role model than she did by taking a step back for her mental and overall health.
I disagree about Kerri Strug - while I doubt she felt she had a choice, if I was in her shoes, I 100% would have chosen to do that vault. After training an entire life with a gold medal on the line - If I could compete, I would have. This is the Olympics people, not recreational sports. Simone's situation was a bit different since she couldn't compete and her pulling out was better for the team and the team could cover for her.
Also minor fact check on your article - at the time of Kerri's vault, Russia was still competing on floor exercise. It was thought the US needed Kerri's vault and it wasn't known until later when Russia finished on floor (floor takes longer than vault), that her last vault wasn't actually needed.
Arguably (and in hindsight), the decision to have Kerri do her second vault wasn't great as an overall Olympic strategy for her. That was the first competition, and this was before the scoring was changed (2006). There were seven gymnasts on the team, six members could compete on each apparatus, and the lowest score was dropped (post-2006, this is no longer the case - no scores are dropped in the Team event). So they truly did not need Kerri's vault score -they were trying to replace Dominique's. It was never necessary for Kerri's second vault, but the Karolyi's wanted GOLD (at this point, they knew they were going to medal). The thing is, there was potential for more medals if they would've sat her out on vault and immediately started recovery. She could have competed days later for Individual All-Around or for Apparatus finals.
No American medaled for Individual All-Around that year. Although Kerri received the most media attention for her famous vault, she was not the highest scoring gymnast on the team - that was Shannon Miller who placed 8th in Individual All-Around, so it's unlikely that Kerri would have medaled in that. But Kerri had qualified first in floor exercise and fourth for vault, so she had high potential of medaling in two individual apparatus events. So would Kerri have chosen to vault if he had a moment to consider that if she just sat it out, she still had the potential to earn two individual medals? Who knows. But I'm not sure if it's as simple as, "This is the Olympics, people!" because her Olympics didn't have to end when it did.
Would Kerri's career have continued much longer after the 1996 Olympics, had she not been severely injured on vault? Unlikely - again, this is pre-2006 when everyone was going for a perfect 10 and judging was based on "lines" rather than difficulty. And, since so much of women's gymnastics at the time was based on the physical appearance and having a pre-pubescent-looking body, the overall age for competitive gymnasts was much lower.
I can understand why everyone wants to make the comparison to Kerri Strug, but it's far from apples-to-apples because the rules and requirements for women's gymnastics in 1996 were very different than today in 2021. It's changed from an event which was scored on the artistry of performance to a sport which scores on the difficulty of the skill. The skills the women gymnasts do today requires much more athleticism and is also far more dangerous.