The deep meaning behind the dueling reactions to Simone Biles withdrawal Agência Brasil Fotografias, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Simone Biles
Simone Biles withdrew from the team gymnastics event at the 2020 Olympics, citing mental health concerns. Whenever you get in a high stress situation, you kind of freak out, she said. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being. Team USA subsequently salvaged a silver. The Russians took the gold.
As expected, the 24 year old attracted defenders and detractors.
One side saw her decision as an understandable response to overwhelming stress. If one is not able to compete at an acceptable level, the logic goes, one should bow out. Robert O Connell of