Simone Biles and her fellow gymnasts are soaring across the country on the Gold Over America Tour, showcasing incredible performances. The 11-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history is joined by other Team USA stars like Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera, Fred Richard, Paul Juda, and Brody Malone. Since kicking off on September 16 in Oceanside, California, the tour has focused on celebrating gymnastics talent and inspiring fans, particularly young ones.
Fresh from winning three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Biles expressed her joy about the tour, even while being apart from her husband, Jonathan Owens. In an interview with 13News anchor Anne Marie Tiernon, Biles was asked whether she would choose competing for another medal or continuing the tour. Her response was both surprising and bold. She emphasized the importance of mental health and the positive impact of the tour, highlighting that her journey isn’t just about medals. Biles shared, “It’s an honor competing for your country and to win a medal, but this just touches the kids so differently. I love being able to inspire them and for them to think, ‘One day, I could be just like them, performing across America.’” She also expressed her excitement for the tour, saying, “From the world’s stage to the GOAT stage, this incredible journey continues. I can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store this year. Creating unforgettable memories for our audiences every night is what I love most.”
Biles has been open about the mental health challenges she faced, particularly after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she made the difficult decision to step back from several events. She reflected on that experience, stating that she felt more at ease afterward, which made a big difference for her. Through therapy, she found strength and now hopes her story can help others, whether they are young children or adults. Biles is passionate about using her platform to make the path easier for future generations, saying, “That’s exactly why we’re doing this. Finding joy and making sure that they have an easier ride than we did.”
Biles’ role as a mental health advocate has made her a powerful voice on the subject. Her journey began three years ago when she withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics, prioritizing her mental health over competing. Though she faced harsh criticism, including being called the “Quitter of the Year,” Biles stood by her decision. She knew the risks of continuing to compete while experiencing the “twisties,” a mental block that can be dangerous for gymnasts. By stepping back from both the team final and four individual events, Biles sent a strong message about the importance of well-being, even in the face of misunderstanding.
Her story has since inspired others to take their mental health seriously. In a recent interview, Biles expressed gratitude upon learning that 60% of American women felt encouraged by her example to prioritize their mental health. This is significant, given that 57.8 million adults in the U.S. live with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Biles said, “As long as I’m staying authentic to who I am, and keep being open, raw, and vulnerable, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Her decision to prioritize her well-being has sparked a broader conversation about mental health in sports.
Back in 2021, mental health wasn’t something widely discussed, and there was often a stigma surrounding it. Though athletes like Michael Phelps had previously spoken out, many were still hesitant to share their struggles. But when Biles took a stand, she helped shift the narrative. Her bravery encouraged other athletes, including Jade Carey, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles, to open up about their own mental health challenges. This shift has fostered a more supportive environment, particularly for women. Now, 63% of women feel more comfortable discussing their mental health, largely due to the example set by Biles. Through her advocacy, she is not only making an impact in gymnastics but also inspiring a generation to prioritize their mental well-being.
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