J.D. Vance's 2021 criticism of Simone Biles' withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics has resurfaced this week, prompting renewed scrutiny of his stance on mental health and athletic performance.
In a Fox News segment, Vance expressed bewilderment at the public's praise for Biles' decision, describing it as a "tragic moment" rather than an act of heroism. He argued that celebrating Biles' withdrawal reflected poorly on society's "therapeutic" approach, suggesting that strength and heroism should be lauded, not vulnerability.
While acknowledging the immense pressure faced by elite athletes, Vance felt the media should have condemned Biles' withdrawal, rather than praising her for prioritising her mental health. He criticised the media's "therapeutic moment" of praising her decision, arguing that this approach was problematic.
Biles has since spoken extensively about her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Games, citing both mental health struggles and safety concerns. She revealed she was experiencing the "twisties," a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air, putting them at risk of serious injury.
Despite these challenges, Biles, now 27, has overcome her struggles and returned to the sport. In this year's Paris Olympics, she secured the highest score in the women's all-around gymnastics final, leading Team USA to a gold medal victory.
Biles' remarkable comeback could potentially yield further accolades as she is scheduled to compete in the individual all-around final on Thursday and is also qualified for three event finals: vault, balance beam, and floor exercise.
Her journey back to the top of the podium serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing. Vance's 2021 comments now appear out of touch with the wider societal understanding of mental health and the pressures faced by athletes at the highest level. Biles' triumph provides a compelling counterpoint to Vance's earlier criticisms, highlighting the importance of supporting athletes' mental well-being and celebrating their triumphs over adversity.
