Alex Scott has hit the nail on the head when discussing the Simone Biles situation, which has become a hot topic at Tokyo 2020.
Biles initially withdrew from the women’s all-round team finals event citing a mental issue, which reduced her gol medal-winning possibilities to ‘just’ four (although, her teammates won her a silver).
It was unclear at that point in time whether the American would be able to continue to compete at the games this summer.
She has since also withdrawn from the all-round singles finals, which has casted serious doubt over whether she will feature again at Tokyo 2020.
As reported by the Guardian, the 24-year-old has been suffering with a mental condition which leaves gymnasts without their spacial awareness.
Considering the sort of maneuverers they are attempting, you can imagine why that could prove to be dangerous for those competing.
While there have been some, notably Piers Morgan, who have attempted to discredit Biles’ claims of ill mental health…
No, I take mental illness very seriously. What I don’t like is people cynically using ‘mental health’ as a protective shield against any poor performance or justified criticism. It distracts attention from those with mental illness who need help/care/treatment. https://t.co/qsmRii1CBg
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 28, 2021
Those with an ounce of brain capacity can see that what Biles has done, with the eyes of the world watching, deserves credit, not criticism.
Alex Scott, as she often does, has got it absolutely bang on here.
It is important, and it does matter! #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/U4ZWJwjf6U
— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) July 28, 2021
Regardless of whether Biles is able to compete again between now and the end of Tokyo 2020, our view of her will remain unchanged.
She’s not only one of the finest athletes in history, but she’s also a strong and inspiring voice for future generations.
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