By Grace Harrison
On Saturday, Simone Biles won her third Paris Olympics gold medal (her 10th Olympic gold medal as a gymnast). She called this her redemption tour after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympic Games just three years ago, citing mental health concerns and “the twisties,” a disconnect between the mind and body. Ever since, she has put in the work, not just in the gym, but also in therapy.
“Being in a good mental spot, seeing my therapist every Thursday, it’s kind of religious for me so, that’s why I’m here today,” she told NBC’s Zora Stephenson after placing first at U.S. Olympic Trials last month.
Prior to entering the gym for Thursday’s all-around competition, she continued that religious routine, starting the morning with a therapy session.
“This morning at 7 a.m. I saw my therapist and there’s a time change, so, she is so amazing for allowing me to do that these couple of days here in Paris,” Biles said.
Biles also saw her therapist on Tuesday morning, before she competed in the team event.
“I told my therapist I was feeling calm and ready,” she said on Tuesday.
In addition to therapy, she has also revamped her daily routine in recent years to include more time taking care of her mind just like she does her body. She focused on spending more time with her husband, dogs, family and friends, and has also used a mental health app.
While dropping out of the 2020 Olympics was a difficult decision for her, Biles went on to say afterward that it was her biggest win. She shattered mental health stigma and is responsible for bringing mental well-being to the forefront of the conversation in elite athletics. Other current and former Olympic gymnasts like American Nastia Lukin and Great Britain’s Jessica Gadirova thanked her for shining a light on its importance.
Biles still has event finals ahead of her in Paris, but success at the Olympic Games looks a little different for her now that she is in a different headspace.
“Now it’s just showing up, being in a good head place, having fun out there and whatever happens, happens,” she said.