I’m not into sports, don’t pay any attention to the summer Olympics, but during the past weeks, my curiosity has been roused as I kept hearing some very strong opinions, both pro and con, for a young Olympic gymnast named Simone Biles. I kept meaning to further investigate, but other topics have kept me busy. So, I was pleased to see Brendan’s post today about Ms. Biles, a positive view, thankfully. Thank you, Brendan!

Content warnings: Sexual abuse, suicide
One of the major stories of the recently concluded Summer Olympics was how decorated American gymnast Simone Biles was ultimately not involved in several of the events that she qualified for as a result of her struggles with mental health. Reaction to this seemed a bit split: many praised her for prioritizing her mental health, while some critics thought of her as a quitter.
Just to clarify, I fall into the former category, not the latter. I think Simone Biles did the right thing in prioritizing her mental health, even if it meant missing some major events this Olympics. To do otherwise would’ve been a danger to her mental and her physical health, which is more important than any Olympic medal.
Yet, at the same time, it seems like there’s often been…
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Simone Biles has won many medals representing her Country despite the personal horrors she endured. She is no quitter for deciding her own fragile health takes priority over a performance at the games. It takes a deal of maturity to take a decision like this. If she never comes back and performs again she’s already done enough that she deserves no criticism. A lapse of concentration while her mental health is affected could cripple her. People who can’t see this lack any empathy towards someone battling her demons.
Cwtch.
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Until recently, I had never heard of Ms. Biles, but from what I’ve learned, she is a remarkable young woman, a remarkable athlete. Those who would criticize, perhaps should take a look in their own closets and see what demons are hiding there. I agree with you … anybody who lacks the compassion and empathy toward her as she fights her battles doesn’t deserve a glance in my book.
Cwtch
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Thanks for reblogging this. It is hard to anoint someone the Greatest of All Time, while still performing. She keeps pushing the envelope to be even better and put a lot of pressure on herself, in a sport that can easily injure her. Once she lost her confidence, it impacted everything. Keith
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Thanks to Brendan for helping me to understand the situation. Yes, she seems like a fantastic athlete and a human … somebody vulnerable, as we all are, and not afraid to admit to her vulnerabilities. I hope she can find peace … that’s about all any of us can ask for these days.
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Thank you for posting this, Jill! Very important to know and to spread. There a discussion is needed. xx Michael
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Yes, perhaps she will pave the way for others to feel more free to take care of themselves, to put themselves first sometimes. xx
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Goal-driven people hate when others do not live up to their expectations, especially when they are not meeting their own. They think everyone is perfect. They have no hearts.
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I might even go so far as to say these “goal driven“ individuals who saw her as a quitter are really the ones who are perpetuating their own mental health issues upon everyone else and just being unconscious of it. Lol. Innoway, it’s like the anti-VAXers: as a human group, it is the children who want to assert their individuality as if everyone has a right to their own preferences and opinions, disregarding their affect on others. It is adults who consider others.
It is the adults that keep the human species going. And some people who are grown-up are not necessarily adults. 😆
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Nor are they necessarily grown up!
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Your last sentence says it all! I know people in my age group (70) who are still not adults, and that goes for many of our politicians, too!
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Hmmmm … I never thought about it that way. I figured much of the criticism against Ms. Biles was based on her gender and skin colour as much as anything.
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Oh, it was that too.
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Thanks for posting this.
I applaud what Simone Biles chose to do.
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Yes, so do I, Neil. She shows remarkable courage.
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Thanks Jill for sharing this! I have the utmost respect for her and pray that she can get the help she needs. As a parent of a child who has been through sexual abuse it is VERY debilitating and it does take time to recover from and is important that you take the time to heal. Simone is in no way a Quitter, she is so very wise and mature to be dealing with the things that really matter! ❤
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Thanks to Brendan for helping us all to understand a bit better what was happening. I didn’t know that one of your own children had gone through this … I’m sorry. So sorry.
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Thanks Jill. I couldn’t remember if I had mentioned it to you before or not. Back in 2016/ 2017 i had shared some posts about it. Before I got to know you! She is doing well now but it is still a process. Has PTSD.
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No, I wasn’t following your blog yet back then, but I may try to find those posts, for I’m interested … and so heartbroken for you and she. Hugs to you both. ❤
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I will send you the links. Hugging you back. Thanks girl! 💕💕
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Thank you!!!
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https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2017/04/10/a-new-beginning/
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2017/02/11/counting-down/
Here Jill are the 2 posts I was thinking of, there was another one that I am trying to find. You will want to read the ” Count Down” one first. Oh and here is one more that is a story that was inspired due to what happened. Its dark compared to my other stories, just warning you.
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2018/08/23/hush-little-baby/
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Thank you for sharing these, my friend. I have no words to describe how this made me feel, but my heart goes out to you, your daughter, and all those in similar circumstances. I’m happy that your daughter had you as a mum, and wonder how many parents are so wrapped up in their own lives that they simply cannot see the pain of their children. Thanks again. And huge hugs. ❤
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You are very welcome Jill, thanks for reading! And most of all thanks for your caring ❤ heart.
My heart aches so badly for children that live this nightmare and who either don’t tell their parents or their parents don’t believe them! Just horrible!
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These days, there are so many things to break our hearts … some days I wish mine would toughen up just a little, but no … I don’t want to be like some who simply cannot care about anything that doesn’t directly affect them. Sigh. Yes, there is too much hatred and horror in the world our children occupy today, and we simply cannot protect them … all we can do is try to prepare them and be there for them when they need us. ❤
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Exactly!
And no, you don’t want a tougher heart. Keep it tender, even though it brings pain. We need compassionate souls!! ❤❤
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😊
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