Simone Biles made a significant decision during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Despite being known as the greatest performer in her sport, she chose to listen to the thoughts in her head that were begging her to stop. And so, she stepped away from the global stage.
Following in the footsteps of Michael Phelps, Caeleb Dressel achieved the unthinkable. He climbed to the top of the golden podium, accumulating even more medals during the world championships in Budapest last summer. However, he, too, experienced the internal sirens blaring in his head. As a result, he withdrew from one of his signature events.
Biles and Dressel took extended breaks not to rest their world-class bodies, but to heal their wounded minds. For most of us who have never experienced the pressure of being a champion or carried the title of the Greatest of All Time, it is unimaginable to witness an athlete show vulnerability and ask for help.
“It was not easy at all,” Biles shared about the decision to step away from her dream after working tirelessly for five years. But what is even harder? Returning.
We celebrate athletes who openly share their journey to mental health and view them as role models. It takes courage to acknowledge your own fragility and to admit that even after achieving perfection, you can still feel lost. Biles and Dressel have been at the forefront of this movement, highlighting the radical idea that even the GOATs need a break. They have received recognition and rewards for their efforts. Biles became the star of a commercial promoting self-care, while Dressel gave a revealing interview about his personal struggles.
However, returning to the sports that brought them fame and fortune can’t be easy. They have to face the overwhelming expectations that once imprisoned them. Last week, USA Gymnastics announced that Biles would return to competition for the U.S. Classic outside Chicago. But there is no guarantee that she will be able to perform at the same level she once did. After embracing their humanity and stepping away from being GOATs, it may not be so simple to regain the skills they dedicated their lives to perfecting.
While away from gymnastics, Biles continued to be in the spotlight. She spoke out in front of Congress, advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, and opened up about her struggles at the Olympics, helping destigmatize mental health issues. During an interview with the “Today” show, she expressed her love for the sport but also admitted her fear and uncertainty about returning to gymnastics.
When Dressel took a break, he cited “medical reasons” without going into detail. Later, he revealed his struggle with panic attacks, especially when performing under the spotlight. He described the immense pressure and desire for perfection that often left him feeling like “trash.”
During his time away, Dressel focused on being himself. He enjoyed his honeymoon, experimented with a new look, and pursued his passion for drumming. However, when he returned to competition, he did not perform at the same dominant level as before. He failed to qualify for the world championships and didn’t make the U.S. team in his best event.
Despite seemingly leading more balanced lives, Biles and Dressel face the challenge of returning to their sports. Fans will undoubtedly support them, especially considering what they have been through. However, they will still expect to witness extraordinary performances and shattered records. The brands that sponsor them will want to capitalize on their advocacy for mental health, demanding even more commitment leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
People will analyze Dressel for any signs of cracks beneath his polished surface. Does he still believe he has to be perfect? And Biles will be watched closely for any signs of the “twisties” and the lingering effects of the Larry Nassar scandal. Amidst all of this, they will face the biggest challenge of their athletic lives: returning to who they once were.
Biles recently shared a photo on Instagram, showing her in a cozy embrace with her husband on a patio balcony. She appears content and at peace, wearing the same sweater she wore during her interview on the “Today” show. This was her most recent update, but her biggest news came from USA Gymnastics, announcing her return to competition. Leaving was not easy, and now the hard part begins.
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