Simone Biles Wins Big at Paris 2024: The Power of Radical Self-Care and Storytelling for Black Women
Have you been following Simone Biles at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Simone Biles wins BIG at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France
The excitement on social media is electric, not just because of her incredible athletic achievements. When a colleague on LinkedIn posted, “Simone Biles has shown us what happens when Black women put themselves first—we become the greatest of all time” (credit to Crystle Johnson), I felt an immediate connection to this sentiment. My response? “Yes! For Black women, prioritizing your mental health is not only an act of resistance; it’s a setup for a monumental win!”
The Narrative of Radical Self-Care
Simone Biles's journey is more than a sports story; it's a compelling narrative of radical self-care, resistance, and the power of storytelling. As Audre Lorde wisely said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” This resonates deeply, particularly for Black women in sports like Simone and Naomi Osaka, who face unique challenges beyond the physical demands of their disciplines. They navigate a complex landscape of mental health stressors, intense public scrutiny, and societal expectations that often overlook their humanity.
Mental Health Stressors for Black Women in Sports
Lack of Normalized Self-Care: Historically, Black women haven't been socialized to engage in self-care, often feeling guilt or frivolity when they do. While the self-care movement is growing, it still has a long way to go in becoming a normalized part of life.
Amplified Public Scrutiny: Social media and the press can magnify pressures, making any misstep feel catastrophic.
Institutional Challenges: Athletes often face additional scrutiny and biases from referees and officials.
High-Performance Expectations: The pressure to perform at elite levels, often from a young age, can severely impact psychological well-being.
Objectification in Sports: The hyper-focus on Black athletes' physical abilities often devalues their humanity, adding another layer of stress.
Barriers to Mental Health Treatment
Despite these stressors, many Black women face barriers in accessing mental health care:
Stigma in the Black Community: There's often a fear of being perceived as weak for acknowledging mental health issues.
Historical and Personal Trauma: Events like the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment contribute to a justified distrust of medical systems.
Limited Representation: Only 2% of psychiatrists and 4% of psychologists in the U.S. are Black, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In 2022, just 19.2% of mental health counselors were Black.
The Power of Radical Self-Care
For Black women, self-care goes beyond spa days and indulgences; it’s a radical act of self-preservation amidst racial and gender oppression. Simone Biles, by stepping back from competition to focus on her mental health, is not just saving herself—she’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a champion. She’s shifting the story from one of relentless pursuit to one of holistic thriving.
This act of radical self-care is a powerful form of storytelling. It’s about prioritizing mental health and wellness as the foundation of success, rather than a victim of it. By doing so, these athletes are setting new standards, showing that true power and resilience come from a place of abundance and wholeness, not from depletion and pressure.
So, let’s not only celebrate Simone Biles' awe-inspiring performances but also her bravery in prioritizing her mental health. It's a powerful lesson in radical self-care, especially for Black women navigating similar challenges. This narrative is not just about winning medals; it's about winning at life.
