Behind Simone Biles’ golden comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics lies a mental victory, thanks to the power of regular therapy. After a challenging 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to mental struggles, Simone proved stronger than ever by claiming two gold medals in Paris. What’s her secret weapon? Therapy.
The Power of Regular Therapy
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Simone emphasized how regular therapy played a crucial role in her recovery and return to gymnastics. Reflecting on her journey during a press conference after securing the individual all-around gold, she admitted that there was a time when she doubted she'd ever compete again. However, with the support of her coach, Cecile Landi, and a lot of hard work, both mentally and physically, she found her way back to the sport. Remarkably, even on competition day, Simone prioritized a session with her therapist, highlighting how vital mental health support has been throughout her comeback.
Therapy’s Ongoing Role in Simone’s Life
Simone Biles / Instagram
Her dedication to therapy has been a game-changer. She does it every Thursday, ensuring she’s in the right mental space, especially before major events. Reflecting on her experience in Tokyo, where she dealt with the "twisties"—a condition where gymnasts lose their sense of space mid-air—Simone admitted that neglecting her mental health was a turning point. This “mental injury,” as she called it, was harder to recover from than any physical setback. It wasn’t just about waiting for a fixed recovery time; it required ongoing care, self-reflection, and healing.
Simone’s mental resilience faced another challenge in Paris when Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade gave her fierce competition during the individual all-around final. The close margin between their scores kept Simone on edge, pushing her to tap into her mental fortitude. Despite feeling the pressure, this intense rivalry ultimately brought out her best performance, highlighting the immense value of her mental preparation.
Sharing is Caring
Simone Biles / Instagram
But Simone isn’t keeping these lessons to herself. She’s been candid about her mental health journey, sharing that she’s on medication for anxiety and keeps a worry journal to manage her symptoms. She’s even encouraged her husband, football player Jonathan Owens, to seek therapy, showing that mental health care is a family affair in the Biles-Owens household. Jonathan’s initial reluctance became a humbling experience, thanks to Simone’s gentle push, as shared in her docuseries "Simone Biles Rising."
As she gears up for more events in Paris, including the vault, floor, and beam, Simone has clarified that therapy is just as important as her time in the gym. With her focus on both mental and physical health, it’s no wonder Simone continues to dominate the world stage.