Simone Biles.Photo: Kennedi Carter
Simone Bilesis opening up about how she continues to compete at the highest level of her sport while also mentally “compartmentalizing” her trauma as a sexual abuse survivor.
Speaking withGlamourforthe magazine’s June 2021 cover story, Biles opens up about staying focused and moving forward.
“I know I’m doing it for me. I do it because I still have such a passion for it,” Biles added of returning to the mat. She also told the magazine of competing once again under USA Gymnastics: “I think that’s been the hardest part.”
Kennedi Carter
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Since Nassar’s sentencing, Biles has become an outspoken voice for change within USA Gymnastics. The athlete hasn’t held back in her criticism of the organization, evenclapping back at a birthday tributethey posted in her honor in March 2020.
In conversation withHoda Kotbon theTodayshow in April, Biles saidreturning to the sport this yearwas for more than just gymnastics — though she continues to beat the top of her game, shattering records.
“Since I’m still here and I havequite a social media presenceand platform, they have to do something,” she said at the time. “So I feel like, coming back, gymnastics just wasn’t the only purpose I was supposed to do. … I don’t think I knew [that was part of my reason], either, but I feel like gymnastics wasn’t the only thing I was supposed to come back for.”
“I just feel like [with] everything that happened, I had to come back to the sport to be a voice, to have change happen,” Biles also added. “Because I feel like if there weren’t a remaining survivor in the sport, they would’ve just brushed it to the side.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
