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As a fan of watching both swimming and women’s gymnastics, I have eagerly anticipated the summer Olympics. It has not disappointed, as I have seen some great races and performances. Yet, who knew that my greatest excitement was the developing anthem of this year’s Olympics that “mental health matters.”

For those who haven’t heard, gymnastics phenom, Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s gymnastics team finals as well as many of the event finals for which she qualified. Though initial reports suggested a medical difficulty, Biles was quick to explain that she needed to tend to her mental health.

Many athletes and fans alike were quick to add their support of Biles and prioritizing mental health. The message is consistent with swimming superstar Michael Phelps’ own advocacy efforts around mental health concerns. I am always thrilled when well-known figures such as these bring the importance of protecting mental health to the forefront.

It is true that some have spoken out against the validity of Biles withdrawing from competition and believe protecting one’s mental health is a ridiculous excuse. That saddens me greatly. Yet, it is true that for every decision we make, some people will support it and others will criticize. Unanimous approval is a rarity and the lack of it does not invalidate one’s choices.

Two trains of thought that have stemmed from Bile’s withdraw have really resonated with me.

First, I have heard many people debate who makes a better role model: Simone Biles, or former gymnastics Olympian Kerri Strug. In 1996, I watched as Kerri Strug helped team USA win Olympic Gold by performing her second vault on a broken ankle. She was heralded as a hero and the picture of her being carried out to receive the team medal was iconic. Now people question whether Biles makes the better role model by advocating for herself, or Strug’s self-sacrifice on behalf of her team (and country) represents the more important message.

This debate frustrates me as it supports the common thought distortion of either/or thinking. It assumes only one can be a role model as opposed to the more dialectical message that they are both role models. Each message is important, and each chosen path is right for different people. There is no objective “better” role model.

Each of these athletes should be commended for their message. Sometimes we need to prioritize our own needs and other times we need to “push through” for the good of others involved. The key is that only the person involved in the action knows what is right for them and should make the decision. Only the person in question knows all the contextual factors at play. The rest of us should refrain from judgment.

The second train of thought is one I have discussed with many clients this week. So often people tell me that they don’t have time to take care of their mental health or have too many responsibilities. I know it often feels that way. I have certainly fallen prey to that line of thought. Yet, here is a young woman who prioritized her mental health despite having trained most of her life to represent her country and achieve her Olympic goals. Those are some pretty huge responsibilities! Yet, the world did not stop turning when she allowed those responsibilities and goals to take second to her emotional needs. Yes, there are consequences. However, those consequences are not more important than those that come with neglecting our mental health.

These are the messages that I will carry forth from the 2020 summer Olympics. I hope they will have long-standing impact on society’s views of protecting mental health.

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