Simone Biles’ Journey to Mental Health and Olympic Glory

Simone Biles Ditches the Booze as She Competes for Gold in Paris

When Simone Biles touched down in Paris, she reunited with her best friend and teammate, Jordan Chiles. The pair toasted with a glass of non-alcoholic champagne to commemorate the occasion, marking a new chapter in Biles’ already illustrious career. My favorite NA champagne is by Grüvi, and it is their Dry Secco. Inspired by the effervescence of champagne, Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Prosecco is a delicious, carbonated wine crafted from hand-picked and blended grapes. 

The road to Paris has been anything but smooth for Biles, who famously withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to mental health concerns. This courageous decision not only highlighted the importance of mental well-being but also sparked a global conversation about the pressures faced by elite athletes.

Mental Health Matters

Simone Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health in Tokyo was a watershed moment for the world of sports. She lives with ADHD and an anxiety disorder, conditions that many might see as obstacles, but Biles has embraced them as part of her journey. In a powerful 2021 Instagram post, she wrote, “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to take a break. Mental health is just as important as physical health. You can’t neglect one without neglecting the other.”

Biles’ openness about her mental health struggles has resonated with millions, breaking down stigmas and encouraging others to seek help. For me, it helped to inspire me to be more open about being neurodivergent and living with ADHD, dyslexia, and a generalized anxiety disorder coupled with minor depression. My ADHD and dyslexia have always been a source of shame for me, something I felt I had to overcome and keep as a tightly guarded secret for fear that others would realize I was not “normal.” And yet, my neurospicness is what makes me me and lends to my creativity.

Biles’ message that mental health is just as crucial as physical health shone a light on how important it is to address both with equal importance instead of suffering in silence.

A Journey from Adversity to Advocacy

Biles’ journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. At two years old, she was placed into foster care due to her mother, Shanon Biles’ substance use disorder and alcohol misuse. Despite these challenges, Simone was adopted by her grandparents at the age of six, a turning point she describes as pivotal in shaping her future.

Reflecting on her early years, Biles said, “I wouldn’t be where I am unless that turning point happened. I would still be Simone Biles, probably not Simone Biles that everybody else knows, the world knows. But I also believe everything happens for a reason and I’m forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life.”

Her mother’s recovery journey has been a significant influence on Biles. Shanon has been “clean and sober since 2007” and has reestablished her relationship with Simone. This experience has made Biles a staunch recovery ally. She has spoken in front of Congress about the importance of substance use prevention and the dangers of underage drinking, emphasizing the need for leadership to keep kids safe and alcohol-free.

The Importance of Mental Health in Sports

Biles’ withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics was a stark reminder of the immense pressures faced by athletes. It brought mental health in sports to the forefront, challenging the notion that physical prowess alone defines an athlete’s success. Biles’ courage to step back and prioritize her well-being underscored a critical message: athletes are human beings first.

Her actions have inspired a new wave of conversations about mental health in sports. Athletes like Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps have echoed Biles’ sentiments, sharing their own struggles and advocating for better mental health support. This shift is crucial in redefining success in sports, where mental well-being is as celebrated as physical achievements.

The Road to Paris & Rooting for Team USA

As Biles competes for gold in Paris, she embodies the spirit of resilience and recovery. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and championing mental health. By choosing non-alcoholic champagne to celebrate her arrival in Paris, Biles symbolically reinforces her commitment to a healthy lifestyle and her role as a recovery ally.

As we watch Simone Biles and Team USA compete in Paris (I mean, admit it, the Women’s gymnastics team is where it is at. The Olympics have been on 24/7 in my house since the opening ceremony), let’s remember the powerful message she carries: mental health is paramount, recovery is possible, and every individual’s journey is unique.

Thank you, Simone, for showing us that recovery from trauma and anxiety is possible. Your journey continues to inspire and pave the way for a future where mental health is given the attention and care it deserves. We’ll be cheering for you and all of Team USA as you reach for gold, both in the Olympics and in life #WEDORECOVER

Help is Available

THE SOBER CURATOR RESOURCE GUIDE: At The Sober Curator, we provide high-quality content centered around the vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle of sobriety. While our focus is on the positive aspects of sober living, we also acknowledge that life can present challenges without the aid of alcohol or substances. Coping with these challenges alone can be daunting, which is why we strongly believe in finding recovery within a supportive community because the opposite of addiction of community.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, a co-occurring illness, or a behavioral health disorder, we urge you to seek help. While the task may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that support is readily available and that there are people out there who want to help.

It’s crucial to remain persistent in your search for assistance until you find the right solution for your unique situation. In some cases, it could be a matter of life or death, so it’s essential to never give up on finding the necessary help.

HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Feelin’ Grüvi? You Can With Dry Secco & Bubbly Rosé From Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Drinks Because It’s Always Happy Every Hour Somewhere

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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