The challenges of a champion

On 17 July, Part 1 of Simone Biles' highly anticipated documentary series dropped on Netflix. In the first ten minutes of the series, the infamous 'drop out' of Toyko Olympics is presented and then scrutinised by worldwide media. It started due to Simone underperforming on a difficult and strenuous vault sequence, which resulted in her dropping out of the remainder of the competition. At the very beginning of the series, Simone talks candidly about her struggles with the fame and expectation placed on her shoulders prior to the 2020 Olympics.  

It is no wonder: Simone Biles is often described as the 'greatest of all time' and currently holds 37 Olympic and World Championship Medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. She shot to fame after winning two Gold Medals at Antwerp, aged just 16. From then, Simone's raw power and execution has meant there are now four new gymnastics moves named after her. 

Simone discusses the build up to the Tokyo Olympics, how she felt consumed by the sport. Due to Covid, the gymnasts were only allowed to attend the gym and their respective homes. She describes being socially isolated – for the first time, her family were not allowed to come to the stadium to watch Simone perform. Simone described a 'mental block' when attending training sessions. The series showed several occasions of Simone falling off the bars, or not sticking her landings on her impressive floor routine. The gymnasts even had their own phrase for this, calling it the 'twisties' – they lose the sense of where they are in the air, which could lead to a serious if not fatal injury. The known cure between the gymnasts is to take time off and understand why, stating 'most of the time the twisties are unrelated to gymnastics'.  

This brings an important conversation to the forefront: the systematic abuse of gymnasts. The documentary highlighted several influences; whether it's the constant scrutinisation in the media, the expectation of putting winning medals above your physical and mental health (Kerri Strug as a prime example), or the years of undisclosed abuse committed by US Gymnastic Team Doctor Larry Nassar, Simone Biles endured what most human beings would be unable to relate too. Her struggles echoed sentiments explored by Bessel Van der Kolk in his book The Body Keeps the Score (2014). 

Simone continued to show up to practice and started at the basic level and begun therapy. She highlighted how her journey back to this year's Olympics was certainly not linear. Her tenacity and determination to return meant she has been picked for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

When watching Simone, I couldn't help but feel her anxiety. I was a gymnast for 10 years and I have at least some understanding of the pressure to show up for your team and to represent your school/city/country. The documentary has sparked an important conversation of mental health within sport and has reminded us of the pressure and dedication that goes behind being a World Champion.

Hannah Irving (She/Her)

Higher Assistant Psychologist

Rehabilitation Inpatient Services, North Locality

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust