Achieving Success By Prioritizing Mental Health: How Taking Time Off Rather Than “Sticking It Out” Can be Beneficial to the Young

BY NEHIR TOPALOGLU

As the seasons change, one’s daily routines, commitments, and responsibilities follow in suit. For many GWS Publication readers across the globe, fall represents the start to an influx of after school activities like playing sports for school or club teams. Although a rather exciting time, these first few months of school can inflict great stress on student athletes and their families. The most common roots of this stress include pressure to excel in sports and the challenge of balancing academic and social life in addition to being an athlete. During transitions such as this one, it is important to be mindful about our and others’ mental health. Sadly, resting to prioritize one’s mental health is usually received by the media as lazy or weak. However, by learning to accept and respond to our mental health concerns, we can grow into better individuals and reap enormous benefits.

Biles at the 2023 World Championships. Getty Images

Simone Biles’ astonishing return to competitive gymnastics after a two-year break showcases the importance of prioritizing mental health. In the summer of 2021, the seven-time Olympic medalist withdrew from five out of the six event finals she had qualified for during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The sudden withdrawal was, according to Biles, due to her lack of a correct mental state. She noticed the signals that her body was sending to her, contemplated how to deal with them, spoke up about her feelings with her team, and ultimately decided to withdraw from the events. The media did not take the news well. Instead, Biles was shamed for giving up on the team and letting the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win gold while Team USA took silver. 

Following the end of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles grew even more distant to gymnastics. She centered her social media posts around her life, friends, and family; there were no signs of her engaging in any activities surrounding gymnastics. The public came to the consensus that the twenty-six-year-old “GOAT” of gymnastics had retired.

Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens. Instagram @simonebiles

This past June, to the public’s surprise, Biles was featured on USA Gymnastics’ roster for the U.S. Classic on August 5, 2023, marking her return to competitive gymnastics. Contrary to popular belief, Biles had not retired. In fact, she had been training for competition. Biles finished her first competition back with an all-around victory, placing first overall.

On October 6, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in the history of the sport by securing her sixth all-around title at the World Championship. Going forward, Biles has made it clear that she is focused on achieving success by putting her mental health first and foremost. In an interview for the Today Show, Biles stated, “Everything that we’re doing leading up to [Paris 2024] is very intentional. We’ve kind of been playing it on the down-low this time, making sure mentally and physically are both intact.”

Biles’ break proved extremely beneficial to her well-being and gymnastic abilities. By being honest and public about her mental struggles, Biles was also able to reduce the stigma around mental health, promote healthy habits to the young people that look up to her, and use her influence for a good cause.