As we watch the Olympics, it's inspiring to see Simone Biles dominate gymnastics once again in Paris. Beyond her incredible athletic performance, she's also championing the critical message that mental health matters. Reflecting on her journey from four years ago, it's a testament to her strength and resilience to see her back on top after taking a necessary step back to prioritize her mental well-being.
Simone's actions break down barriers and demonstrate that prioritizing mental health can lead to even greater achievements. Her influence extends beyond the sport, serving as a powerful example for young athletes everywhere: taking care of yourself is paramount, even at the highest levels of competition.
This aligns with what I wrote about in 2022, highlighting how Black athletes can shine a light on mental health and impact stigmatized environments. Drawing from my own experiences growing up as an athlete in the Bronx, stories like Simone's are crucial for fostering healthier perspectives in our communities. While her impact on non-Black athletes is also significant, I am emphasizing this particular point to underscore the unique challenges and triumphs in our own communities.
Read what I wrote here: https://lnkd.in/dg6Q-sDp
Advisor | 2x Co-Author | Mental Health Advocate
1yLeeann Passaro