Li Jing Zhu 朱 丽静1.The Influence of the “Biles Effect” (Heil, J, 2021)
1.1 The Influence of the “Biles Effect”
Beyond the five gymnastics moves named after her, countless records, and an extensive medal collection, Simone Biles has redefined what it means to be an elite athlete—both on and off the mat. At the Tokyo Olympics, her decision to withdraw from events brought the conversation around mental health to the forefront of the sports world.
“We will always put mental health first,” Biles stated following the recent U.S. trials. “I think the Tokyo Olympics provided a great opportunity to openly discuss this issue. Athletes are now paying more attention to their well-being. We trust our instincts and prioritize mental health.”
My mentor, Heil, introduced the term “Simone Biles Effect,” emphasizing the importance of self-care. This principle has been integral to Biles’ legendary status, shaping her evolving perspective on success.
“I think success means something different to me now than it did before,” she shared with Olympics.com ahead of the World Championships. “In the past, others defined my success—even though I had my own views. Now, success means showing up, maintaining a positive attitude, enjoying the competition, and letting the results unfold naturally.”
1.2 The Simone Biles Effect: Destigmatizing Mental Health Breaks in Sports and Beyond
Bouncing back even stronger after taking a mental health break
The “Simone Biles Effect” extends beyond the realm of athletics, encouraging individuals in all fields to prioritize their mental health without fear of stigma or professional repercussions. It addresses common concerns such as “What will people think of me?” and “Will I be treated differently?”
Biles’ journey serves as a testament to the power of self-care and demonstrates that prioritizing mental well-being can lead to an even stronger comeback.
2. Biles’ Remarkable Achievements
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles boldly declared, “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps—I’m the first Simone Biles.” At just 24 years old, she had already cemented her place among Olympic legends, standing alongside sprinting icon Usain Bolt and swimming great Michael Phelps. She is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast in history, achieving greatness on her own terms.
Biles rose to prominence in 2013 when she won two gold medals at the World Championships at just 16, including the all-around title. She continued her dominance in the 2014 and 2015 World Championships, securing four gold medals each year.
By the time she made her Olympic debut in 2016, Biles was already a gymnastics superstar and the overwhelming favorite for gold. She lived up to expectations, winning gold in the individual all-around, vault, floor exercise, and team event, along with a bronze medal on the balance beam.
Her supremacy in women’s gymnastics is rooted in her exceptional fundamentals and physical attributes. Standing under 1.5 meters tall, she possesses outstanding athletic ability, powerful explosiveness, and a low center of gravity—ideal traits for a gymnast. Combined with her work ethic, creativity, and strong character, Biles is nearly unparalleled in her sport.
Her creativity was on full display at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, where she won five gold medals, including the all-around title. She also debuted two groundbreaking skills: a double-twisting, double-backflip on floor exercise and a double-twisting dismount from the balance beam. These moves, once thought to be impossible, are now named after her, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in gymnastics.
3. Simone Biles: A Legend at the Tokyo Olympics
3.1 Addressing the USA Gymnastics Sexual Assault Scandal
On January 18, 2018, Biles took to Twitter to reveal that she had been sexually assaulted by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. She accused USA Gymnastics of enabling the abuse and subsequently attempting to cover it up. Unable to face her abuser, she did not attend the court hearings that January.
In May 2018, Biles and other survivors were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Later that year, she competed at the USA Gymnastics Championships wearing a teal leotard—a symbol of solidarity for survivors of sexual assault.
Beyond advocating for mental health, Biles has courageously spoken out against sexual abuse within gymnastics. Her powerful voice, coupled with her immense influence, has contributed to meaningful systemic changes in the sport, marking one of her most profound legacies.
3.2 Institutional Betrayal
Institutional betrayal occurs when trusted institutions fail to protect those within them. This betrayal can manifest through neglect, cover-ups, and inadequate responses to abuse.
Common signs of institutional betrayal include:
Lack of policies to prevent traumatic incidents
Rationalization or dismissal of abuse
Complex or discouraging reporting processes
Protecting perpetrators rather than victims
Stereotyping or blaming survivors
Retaliation against whistleblowers
For individuals experiencing institutional betrayal, seeking professional support can be crucial. A psychologist can help navigate emotions and determine the best course of action, whether that means speaking out or leaving the harmful environment.
3.3 The Lesson Biles Learned on the Global Stage: Mental Health in Olympic Athletes
Biles’ bravest moment wasn’t executing an impossible gymnastics move—it was listening to her heart on the world’s biggest stage at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
After struggling on vault in the women’s team final, she recognized that she could no longer safely compete. Biles was experiencing “twisties,” a dangerous mental block where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air.
“I felt it was better for me to step back and let my teammates perform,” she explained. “I didn’t want to risk their medal chances or worsen my condition.”
Her withdrawal sparked a global conversation about athletes’ mental health. Some praised her courage, while critics accused her of being weak. However, Biles stood firm in her decision, prioritizing her well-being over external expectations.
3.4 A Polarizing Response
Supporters hailed Biles’ bravery. “We fully support Simone’s decision and applaud her courage to prioritize her health,” USA Gymnastics stated.
Critics, including political figures and media personalities, labeled her actions as “weak.” Piers Morgan, for example, dismissed her decision, arguing that “giving up just because you’re unhappy is not heroic.”
However, Biles clarified that she wasn’t merely “unhappy”—she was dealing with a serious mental and physical condition that made competing dangerous.
According to a 2019 IOC report, 35% of elite athletes experience mental health issues, and 25% of collegiate athletes exhibit symptoms of depression. Olympians like Michael Phelps have spoken openly about post-Olympic depression, highlighting the need for better mental health support in sports.
4. The 2024 Paris Olympics
4.1. Mental Health and the Road to Paris
The 2024 Paris Olympics is more than just another competition for Biles—it is an opportunity to evaluate whether mental health is truly being prioritized in sports.
“Mental health has always been overlooked. People see us as entertainment, but we’re human too. The public doesn’t always understand what we go through,” Biles reflected.
Her return to competition has been met with both admiration and skepticism. However, she remains determined to change the conversation around mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed.
4.2 Paris Olympics: Women’s Gymnastics Team Final
On July 30, 2024, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, led by Biles, dominated the team final in Paris, securing gold with a commanding lead. Despite a calf injury, Biles delivered a stellar performance, solidifying her comeback and reaffirming her legendary status.
Reflecting on her journey, Biles stated, “Winning today feels different. I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
From breaking records to breaking stigmas, Simone Biles continues to redefine greatness in gymnastics—and beyond.
