Kolkata: The Post-Olympic Gold Over America Tour will be spanning 35 cities and will have a special segment led by former UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi on the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, news agency AP reports.
US gymnast Simone Bikes who was in the news at the Tokyo Olympics for her complaints against mental depression will be headlining the Mental Health Advocacy section.
Biles had no plans for her second Olympics to become a flashpoint in the evolving conversation about the role proper mental health plays in the world of sports. Albeit she does not have any regrets for her decision. The American gymnast was quoted, “It’s OK not to be OK no matter how bright the spotlight. I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”
“I gave an outlet for athletes to speak up about their mental health and their well-being and learn that you can put yourself (as a person) first before the athlete. We wanted to make it as relatable as possible and let these kids know that we’ve been going through these things,” Biles said.
And she added, “I mean, I’m in therapy. I go to therapy pretty religiously. And it’s just something that took hold of me (where) your body and your mind tells you when enough is enough.”
She came back home from Tokyo with a silver medal from the team competition and an individual bronze on the balance beam.
While Biles’ decision was not well received on social media, after her return she was overwhelmed with the response she got.
“It’s been so supportive, so loving, which I really wasn’t expecting,” she said.
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