Entertainment
Justin Bieber shares heartfelt message of support for Olympic gymnast Simone Biles as he reflects on mental health struggles
Justin Bieber says he is ‘proud’ of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for putting her mental health first at the Toyko Olympics (Picture:Getty/AP)
Singer Justin Bieber has said he is ‘proud’ of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles after she spoke publicly about her mental health.
The gold medal winner has pulled out of Thursday’s women’s all-around final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, citing mental health concerns.
Taking to social media to praise the move, Bieber revealed how he could relate to some of the backlash Biles was facing for deciding to prioritize her wellbeing.
The 27-year-old recalled how he was previously called ‘crazy’ for not finishing his 2017 world tour but stated it had been ‘the best thing I could have done for my mental health’.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘nobody will ever understand the pressures you face! I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw.
‘It’s as simple as – what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul.’
The Baby singer continued: ‘Sometimes our no’s are more powerful than our yes’s. When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why.
‘People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!!’
Simone is already the USA’s most successful gymnast (Picture: LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Sorry hitmaker added: ‘So proud of you @simonebiles.’
Numerous Hollywood stars and athletes have also spoken out in defense of the USA’s most successful gymnast after she first chose to withdraw on Tuesday due to concerns over her mental health.
More: US Showbiz news
The 24-year-old had recorded the lowest score on the vault of her entire Olympic career, before later going on to reveal she was suffering from the ‘twisties’.
The term for a mental block in which gymnasts lose their spatial awareness in the middle of complex skills. It is a well-known and dangerous sensation for gymnasts.
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