Simone Biles Returns to the Balance Beam

Simone Biles has set a new standard for female athletes, and particularly female athletes of color, to prioritize their mental health over competing, whether it be in the Olympics or any other sporting event.

Biles had removed herself from the team final on July 27th after a shaky performance on vault during the first rotation. She watched from the sidelines as her three American teammates completed the meet without her and the U.S. took the silver medal behind the team known as the Russian Olympic Committee. The six-time Olympic medalist later said she was dealing with issues surrounding air awareness, referred to as “the twisties” in her sport.

Considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time and the unquestioned face of the U.S. Olympic movement when she arrived in Japan, Biles continued to train and be evaluated daily by the USA Gymnastics staff after opting out of multiple finals. She has also been a fixture in the stands supporting Lee, MyKayla Skinner, and Jade Carey while they competed in the event finals.

Did ya’ll notice that @Simone_Biles decision to sit out made it possible for EVERY member of Team USA Gymnastics to earn an Olympic medal?

That’s so weird … hugh?!🤷🏽‍♀️

— Pam Keith, Esq. (@PamKeithFL) August 2, 2021

Finishing her second Olympics — and perhaps her career — on the balance beam is poetic justice of sorts for Biles. She got bronze in Rio despite grabbing the 4-inch piece of wood that’s 4 feet off the ground when she almost slipped mid-routine. It was her fifth medal at the Games. The other four were gold. Biles has called the bronze the medal she earned in Brazil that she’s proudest of, and she’s taken to task those who called it a disappointment, using it as proof of the double standard she believes follows her whenever she competes.

Athletes and others from all over have rallied around her over the past week, praising her courage for speaking up about the importance of mental health.

She's back. @Simone_Biles will return for the balance beam final. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/apkWpEf95Z

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 2, 2021

We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow – Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!

— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 2, 2021

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If Bill Murray can openly talk about his struggles with confidence & being in bad mental frame of mind as a young professional — and have people accept it at face value — why can’t Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles do the same? https://t.co/1BpYnCX3C4

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) August 2, 2021

Just this photo of Simone Biles today #queen @Simone_Biles pic.twitter.com/gwnvVWR22H

— T👻r👻 D🐈‍⬛bl💀n 🎃🧙🏻‍♀️ (@taradublinrocks) August 2, 2021