Quote by Simone Biles: “We have to protect our mind and our body rather than giving a show.”

There is no performance worth destroying yourself for. Choosing your mental and physical health over external expectations — especially when the world is watching — is not weakness. It is the hardest and most honest kind of strength, and it has the power to change what we ask of others.

Biles said this after withdrawing from gymnastics finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, citing mental health concerns. The decision broke open a global conversation about what societies demand of elite athletes, and her statement was covered on front pages around the world.

American gymnast widely considered the greatest of all time, with more World Championship medals than any gymnast in history. Her decision to withdraw from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to protect her mental health sparked a global conversation about athlete wellbeing and performance pressure.