Simone Biles’s Critics Don’t Understand This Generation of Athletes

Simone Biles was expected to be the story of the Tokyo Olympics because of her long series of jaw-dropping performances up to now. Instead, she’s become the story of these Olympics because she’s not performing. Citing her mental health, Biles removed herself from the women’s gymnastics team final after one rotation on Tuesday night. A day later, she withdrew from the individual all-around competition. At one point this week, she acknowledged losing track of her position while in midair—a dangerous outcome for a gymnast.

The 24-year-old’s decision to prioritize her well-being has been mostly. “Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.” Figures as varied as and former have offered words of encouragement, telling the gymnast how inspirational she has been.