Megan Rapinoe Heaps Praise on Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka for Bringing Athletes’ Mental Health Issues Into the Spotlight

The whole gymnastic community was shocked when champion Simone Biles stepped down from her events at the Tokyo Olympics. But she was going through something which needed more attention than her performance at that moment. And Biles dared to talk about the topic, putting it out in the open.

Simone stepped down from the Olympics, citing mental health issues. The pressure and stress were unbearable for her, and it was taking a toll on the performances as well, also causing her to go through a case of the ‘twisties’.

However, she then didn’t know that this step would actually inspire so many others who were going through the same. This would also include Megan Rapinoe, who revealed how Simone Biles addressing the mental health issue helped her as well.

Megan Rapinoe is thankful that Simone Biles addressed the mental health issue

However, she then didn’t know that this step would actually inspire so many others who were going through the same. This would also include Megan Rapinoe, who revealed how Simone Biles addressing the mental health issue helped her as well.

READ MORE: Spiderman Andrew Garfield Declares Simone Biles as His Inspiration for Her Daring Qualities

She revealed that athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, who talked about their issues, also helped her recognize her own and talk about them.

“Being an athlete in this time, Simone Biles talking about her mental health on the world stage was I think so helpful for all of us,” said Rapinoe.

What’s a championship mindset? For @mpinoe, it’s about the constant practice of giving yourself grace and being kind to yourself.

The @OLReign and @USWNT star reflects on her mindset in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. pic.twitter.com/DEkBmS7Unc

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) May 2, 2022

She also added how Kevin Love and Naomi Osaka helped bring the issue to light. In fact, Simone was herself inspired by Naomi Osaka. Notably, Osaka was one of the first athletes to speak about this issue openly.

“Things that I go through are probably similar to things a lot of people go through.”

Whether a famous athlete or not, Rapinoe has also undergone anxiety, and it’s very important to address these issues early on. Not addressing these issues can ultimately cause harm in different ways.

Biles opens up about mental health and sports

After she spoke about her issues, Simone Biles became a mental health advocate. Over the past year, she had given us some honest views about the world of elite sports and how it takes a toll on them.

“I say put mental health first…Because if you don’t, then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to,” said Biles.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States during the Women’s Team Final REUTERS/Mike Blake

Taking a step back does not necessarily mean losing, it only means that one is brave enough to prioritize one’s sanity and not risk it for the sake of performance.

Watch This Story: Here’s A Quick Look At Gymnastic GOAT Simone Biles’ Heavy Met Gala 2021 Outfit 

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