In 2021, following a high-profile mental health crisis and exit from the Olympic Women’s Gymnastics competition, it was unclear if 4x gold medalist Simone Biles would ever compete again. This June, Biles punched her ticket to the 2024 Games as the definitive leader of an all-star US team. Learn how Biles overcame her struggles and what you can do to support employees facing mental health challenges in your organization. https://bit.ly/3zlBJPe
BI WORLDWIDE’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
Leadership communication strategist, creating connected leaders + 🎙 Speaker + 📗 Author x 2 + 👩🏼💼 Exec Coach & Mentor + menopause advocate
I cried when I heard that Simone Biles won her eighth national title at the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships last month. Tears of joy, of hope, and of relief. Simone Biles is an absolute phenomenon, and someone I have long admired. She became the first gymnast to win eight All-Around Titles at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, and, in a sport where many elite athletes are teenagers, she has the honour of being the oldest women to have won this competition. At the age of 26. Two years ago, in August 2021, she stunned the sports world when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics mid-competition, citing her mental health. Critics (and there were many) said she would never return to competition. She has proved them wrong. Her coach, Laurent Landi, told the media that “Simone is more fit right now than she’s ever been,” and that her floor exercise was the best of her career. Her two-year absence, to focus on her health, sends an important message to athletes and leaders around the world. It’s OK to take a break and look after your health. It’s OK to take a break to focus on what’s important. While you may not be looking to take a two-year break, or even have the financial means to do so, there is no reason AT ALL why you can’t build regular breaks into your day / week / month / year. One of the best ways we can take a break from work is to plan a holiday. Whether you choose to go away or have a staycation is up to you! I’d love to know if you have your next holiday planned. #fullyconnected #rest #selfcare
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
The Women’s USA Gymnastics Team is bringing home the gold thanks in no small part to Simone Biles’ focus on mental health. Faced with the “twisties”, a dangerous condition gymnasts experience in which they lose their perception of their body while in the air, Simone made the courageous decision to withdraw from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Many believe the “twisties” are likely linked to mental health issues and the immense stress of elite competition. By taking action, Simone chose to prioritize her mental well-being. A choice that many in our underresourced communities cannot afford to make. Her self-care allowed her to return stronger than ever for the 2024 Paris Olympics games and her “redemption tour,” showcasing that with the right support, care, and resources, we can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Her story highlights the critical importance of equitable mental health resources and comprehensive care for all. Unfortunately, too many of us lack access to affordable and quality mental health services needed to recover from conditions like what Simone called the “twisties” or what many of us just call the challenges of daily life. Join our community table as we find ways to advance mental health equity. Together, we can ensure every BODY has the opportunity to take care of their mental well-being, reach their full potential, and inspire the world, just like Simone Biles. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up to date on fostering health equity in Kansas City and beyond. #healthequity #kansascity #olypmics l
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
What an inspiring comeback story. Gymnastics is probably the most dangerous individual sport in the world. The injuries can be catastrophic and life changing. But there is a more insidious issue - the fear of injury called the ‘yips’. Once it gets in your brain, it’s very hard to execute, let alone perform at an Olympic level. Biles’ comeback is significant because a) she had the courage to step back when she had fear of self harm b) she rebuilt her confidence and mental health over time c) peaked at the right time and delivered the goods. If there is one charecteristic that defines long term success it is resilience. Even above ability winners need resilience.
How Simone Biles Rescued the U.S. Gymnastics Team and Reclaimed Olympic Gold
wsj.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
I am not sure why it sometimes seems so hard to grasp a concept that should be so easy and is rooted in logic, however… It’s ok to focus on yourself. Some may call that selfish & admittedly that likely comes with negative connotation and judgement. Quite frankly some don’t matter, you do. It’s ok to focus on yourself. You matter. Those you love most will agree & be supportive. It’s ok to focus on yourself. Sometimes you come out happier, healthier & better. This inevitably bleeds over to those you love the most. In the end, this focused time on yourself leads to a richness in relationships and life that you would have otherwise missed out on. It’s ok to focus on yourself. #mentalhealth #selfcare #leadershiplessons
#SimoneBiles took a two-year break from gymnastics to focus on her mental health but returned last year, and look at her now! The four-time Olympic gold medalist has won a history making 9 national titles! She shared, “I feel like most of the time, if I’m not stressing or have anxiety, I do feel like I’m having fun. So it’s good to have that and feel that again.” Here’s to a a Simone-filled summer as she prepares for the #Olympics!
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
resilience
Helping Executives and Experts share impactful messages on TEDx stages and beyond. Keynote Speaker. Featured on TED. International TEDx Speaker. Speechwriter. Bestselling Author.
Do you remember when Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympic gymnastics women’s team final, after suffering from what she called “the twisties”? She was blamed (and shamed) for her team winning silver, because she had pulled out of the competition. One political “leader” called her “…our selfish, childish national embarrassment, Simone Biles.” National embarrassment??? In my second TEDx talk (shared in the comments), I spoke about how, what one person referred to as childish and selfish, was actually an act of resilience. Yes. RESILIENCE. Quitting was an act of resilience in that situation. And that act of resilience has paid off greatly. On Tuesday Simone helped lead Team USA to a win in that same event, securing a fourth gold medal for the US women’s gymnastics team ever. Resilience can look different than what we’re used to. It can mean pushing through, but I posit that it can also mean pulling out. If you need to pause, take a break or quit altogether, for the sake of your physical or mental wellbeing, don’t let anyone shame you. #resilience #simonebiles #tedxtalk #psychologicalsafety #mentalhealth #workplacesafety (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure / AFP - Getty Images)
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Mental Health is Very Important
#SimoneBiles took a two-year break from gymnastics to focus on her mental health but returned last year, and look at her now! The four-time Olympic gold medalist has won a history making 9 national titles! She shared, “I feel like most of the time, if I’m not stressing or have anxiety, I do feel like I’m having fun. So it’s good to have that and feel that again.” Here’s to a a Simone-filled summer as she prepares for the #Olympics!
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Founder/Managing Director of Ince Counseling & Consulting LLC (group practice, female & veteran-owned small business)
One benefit of talk therapy... To help you get out of your head and back into the game. #SimoneBiles #MentalHealthMatters
Simone Biles said she talked with her therapist before winning Thursday’s all-around gymnastics final at the Paris Olympics. The gymnast, who is an advocate for mental health, also met virtually with her therapist Tuesday before the U.S. won gold in the team final.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Leader with 7 plus years of experience in sales & management| Passionate about visual merchandising and developing teams
Resilience is key 🔑
Helping Executives and Experts share impactful messages on TEDx stages and beyond. Keynote Speaker. Featured on TED. International TEDx Speaker. Speechwriter. Bestselling Author.
Do you remember when Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympic gymnastics women’s team final, after suffering from what she called “the twisties”? She was blamed (and shamed) for her team winning silver, because she had pulled out of the competition. One political “leader” called her “…our selfish, childish national embarrassment, Simone Biles.” National embarrassment??? In my second TEDx talk (shared in the comments), I spoke about how, what one person referred to as childish and selfish, was actually an act of resilience. Yes. RESILIENCE. Quitting was an act of resilience in that situation. And that act of resilience has paid off greatly. On Tuesday Simone helped lead Team USA to a win in that same event, securing a fourth gold medal for the US women’s gymnastics team ever. Resilience can look different than what we’re used to. It can mean pushing through, but I posit that it can also mean pulling out. If you need to pause, take a break or quit altogether, for the sake of your physical or mental wellbeing, don’t let anyone shame you. #resilience #simonebiles #tedxtalk #psychologicalsafety #mentalhealth #workplacesafety (Photo by Lionel Bonaventure / AFP - Getty Images)
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
What a story with this year’s Olympic GOLD medal winning USA Women’s Gymnastics team! This win isn't just about medals; it's about the powerful narrative of resilience, mental health, and reclaiming the love of sport. Over the last several years, we've seen athletes prioritize their well-being, demonstrating that joy and health in sports are just as important as winning. This is a different story from when I was a gymnast. Then, coaches often used their power and position of authority to push you down. Mental health wasn't a priority, and pushing through injuries was the norm. The sport was everything, often at the expense of the athlete. As a mom and a coach for my daughter’s gymnastics team, I see firsthand the impact this new story has on our daughters and sons. We're moving away from a generation where the sport was everything, with little regard for the gymnast. Now, we're embracing a healthier, more balanced approach. It's a tremendous shift, showing our kids that their worth isn’t only tied to their achievements but also to their happiness and well-being. This is the story we are rewriting. It's a testament to the strength and courage of our athletes, and it sets a powerful example for the next generation. I’m so inspired by these women and so thrilled for the future of our incredible sport. 📸https://lnkd.in/eR6wbazC #olympics #usagymnastics #mentalhealth #teamusa
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Need a break? Take it. There's a lot of commentary around rebalancing work and life as we navigate the new flex work normal. As a female business leader working in this environment, the above something I say often, and lead on by example. We have to prioritise breaks. From building micro breaks in each day, right up to planning and taking 2 year career breaks. If it's good enough for Simone, it's good enough for all of us. Here's some tips and reasons - add yours in the comments and tell me what I'm missing. 1️⃣ Speak up. Even truly great managers can't always see when you need a break - so you need to speak up. If you don't, at some point, your body or mind will - (and it won't always at a time that's convenient to you!) So say it out loud if you're feeling overwhelmed, and reprioritising your workload or support from peers won't cut it this time. 2️⃣ Get comfortable talking about it. Mentally rested you is the best version of you. Which is best for you, your family & friends, and your employer. 3️⃣ Time it for you. We don't all need 2 years. For one thing, we're not all operating at quite the same level as #SimoneBiles. 😉 And truly, what you need and when, only you know. Daily 30 minute walk, through to a total career break, to come back better than ever. Only you will know. 4️⃣ Get intentional with it. Anything from a day, to a week, can completely restore, recharge and refocus you. So know what the break is for. Going for a walk? Taking a nap? Retraining? A career refresh? Raising your young kids? Spending time with elderly family? A long trip overseas? You name it, you own it! 5️⃣ Don't break your break. Once it's all agreed - safeguard your break. Put boundaries around it, explain them clearly and do.not.move them. What are your experiences and break strategies? What would you add? Let me know below. #careerbreak #mentalwellness #mentalhealth #inspiration #simonebiles #femaleleadership #linkedinnewsaustralia Brendan Wong
#SimoneBiles took a two-year break from gymnastics to focus on her mental health but returned last year, and look at her now! The four-time Olympic gold medalist has won a history making 9 national titles! She shared, “I feel like most of the time, if I’m not stressing or have anxiety, I do feel like I’m having fun. So it’s good to have that and feel that again.” Here’s to a a Simone-filled summer as she prepares for the #Olympics!
To view or add a comment, sign in
35,499 followers