Few moments in recent sports history have sparked as much conversation and controversy as Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from several events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. For many, that summer will forever be marked not just by her athletic achievements, but by the raw vulnerability she displayed on the world’s biggest stage—and the harsh backlash that followed.

Simone Biles is more than just the most decorated gymnast in history. She is a symbol of excellence, resilience, and, in 2021, of courage under pressure. That year, as millions watched with anticipation, Biles made a decision that stunned the world: she chose to step away from competition, citing struggles with her mental health. It was a move that challenged the traditional narrative of what it means to be a champion.

“I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being,” Biles told reporters at the time. Her words echoed across the globe, resonating with athletes and non-athletes alike who have quietly battled similar struggles. For many, Biles became a hero not for her flips and landings, but for her willingness to put her own well-being above the expectations of others.

But not everyone saw it that way.

A Chorus of Criticism

In the days following Biles’ announcement, social media and news outlets buzzed with opinions. While many expressed support and understanding, a vocal contingent of critics emerged—none louder than conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In a widely circulated rant, Kirk called Biles a “national shame” and a “disgrace to the nation,” accusing her of letting her country down.

His words felt like daggers to many who understood the immense pressure elite athletes face. For Biles, who had carried the weight of a nation’s expectations and the trauma of past abuse scandals within her sport, the criticism was particularly cruel. Here was a young woman, barely in her twenties, publicly grappling with something invisible yet overwhelming: her own mental health.

The backlash was swift and severe. Kirk’s comments ignited a firestorm of debate about toughness, responsibility, and the stigma still surrounding mental health in sports. Some echoed his sentiment, insisting that Olympians should be able to withstand any pressure. Others, however, saw Biles’ decision as an act of profound bravery—a necessary step for her own safety and a powerful message to others struggling in silence.

A Moment of Vulnerability, A Legacy of Strength

What made Biles’ decision so significant was not just her status as a champion, but the context in which she made it. The Tokyo Olympics were already unlike any before, taking place in the shadow of a global pandemic, with athletes isolated from their families and fans. The pressure was immense, and Biles’ admission that she was not okay shattered the myth of the invincible athlete.

Instead of hiding her struggles, Biles brought them into the open. She spoke candidly about the “twisties”—a phenomenon in gymnastics where an athlete loses sense of their position in the air—and the fear that competing in such a state could lead to catastrophic injury. Her honesty forced a global audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the cost of greatness.

Changing the Conversation

In the years since Tokyo, Biles has continued to speak out about mental health, using her platform to advocate for change. Her decision to step back has inspired countless others to prioritize their own well-being, and has helped shift the conversation around mental health in sports and beyond.

The backlash she faced in 2021 serves as a reminder of how far society still has to go in understanding and supporting those who struggle with invisible battles. But it also highlights the power of vulnerability and the importance of standing up for oneself, even in the face of harsh criticism.

Simone Biles’ legacy is not defined by a single decision or a critic’s words. It is defined by her courage to choose her own path, to speak her truth, and to remind the world that even the strongest among us need support. In doing so, she has become not just a champion on the mat, but a trailblazer for a more compassionate world.