Despite their very different sports, Mikaela Shiffrin and Simone Biles understand each other’s experiences better than almost anyone else. Biles was a guest on Shiffrin’s “What’s the Point” podcast released Friday, and the two talked about relating to the other’s very public struggles at the Olympics. Though the two did not meet until the Paris Games in 2024, Shiffrin reached out to show her support after Biles developed the “twisties” at the Tokyo Games. Unable to tell where she was in the air, Biles pulled out midway through the team competition and missed four individual events before returning for balance beam, where she won a bronze medal.
The Olympics are supposed to be the pinnacle of sport—a glittering stage where champions shine and history is made. But what happens when the pressure becomes too heavy, even for the greatest athletes of all time? Recently, Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin, two of the most decorated Olympians in modern history, opened up about their Olympic struggles, reminding the world that greatness does not make someone immune to fear, doubt, or mental exhaustion.
Their honesty didn’t just make headlines—it reshaped the conversation around mental health, performance pressure, and what true strength really looks like.
The Myth of the “Invincible Olympian”
For years, fans and media painted elite athletes as superhuman. If anyone could handle pressure, it was Simone Biles flipping through the air or Mikaela Shiffrin carving perfect lines down icy slopes.
But reality tells a different story.
Why We Expect Perfection
Athletes at this level train for decades, win endlessly, and break records routinely. That success creates unrealistic expectations:
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Always win
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Never falter
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Never show fear
When they do struggle, the shock is often louder than the empathy.
Simone Biles: The Weight of the World on One Gymnast
A Career Defined by Excellence
Simone Biles isn’t just a champion—she’s a category of her own. With record-breaking medals and skills named after her, she became the face of gymnastics worldwide.
But greatness can become a cage.
The Tokyo Olympics and the “Twisties”
At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles shocked the world by stepping back from several events. She later revealed she was battling the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block that disrupts an athlete’s spatial awareness.
Why This Was So Serious
In gymnastics, losing air awareness isn’t just scary—it’s life-threatening. Biles chose safety and mental health over medals.
That decision wasn’t weakness. It was courage.
Mikaela Shiffrin: When Expectations Collapse Into Silence
America’s Skiing Superstar
Mikaela Shiffrin entered the Beijing Olympics as a favorite in multiple alpine skiing events. Gold seemed inevitable.
Instead, she experienced a nightmare.
Disqualification After Disqualification
Shiffrin failed to finish several races—an unthinkable outcome for an athlete of her caliber.
The cameras caught her sitting alone in the snow, overwhelmed and speechless.
The Emotional Toll
Later, Shiffrin admitted she felt lost, broken, and mentally drained. The pressure to perform, combined with personal loss and relentless expectations, took its toll.
Two Different Sports, One Shared Struggle
Mental Pressure Is Universal
Gymnastics and alpine skiing couldn’t be more different, yet the psychological burden is strikingly similar.
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Constant scrutiny
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National expectations
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Fear of letting others down
Both athletes carried not just their own dreams—but those of entire countries.
Breaking the Silence: Why Their Voices Matter
Changing the Narrative Around Mental Health
When Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin spoke openly, they cracked a long-standing taboo in elite sports.
What They Normalized
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Anxiety under pressure
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Mental blocks
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Emotional exhaustion
Their honesty gave permission to others—athletes and non-athletes alike—to admit they’re struggling.
The Media’s Role in Amplifying Pressure
From Praise to Pile-On
One day, athletes are heroes. The next, they’re criticized for “quitting” or “choking.”
That emotional whiplash fuels fear and self-doubt.
Why Words Matter
Narratives shape public perception. Compassionate coverage can uplift. Harsh criticism can crush confidence.
Strength Redefined: Choosing Yourself Over Gold
Walking Away Isn’t Giving Up
Biles stepping back and Shiffrin acknowledging her mental state sent a powerful message: self-preservation matters more than podiums.
This reframed strength as:
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Self-awareness
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Boundaries
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Long-term well-being
The Human Cost of Olympic Glory
What We Don’t See on TV
Behind every medal ceremony lies:
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Years of sacrifice
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Chronic injuries
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Emotional isolation
Olympic success often comes at a steep personal cost.
How Fans Reacted: From Shock to Support
A Cultural Shift
Initial reactions were mixed, but support quickly grew.
Fans began saying:
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“Thank you for being honest.”
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“You helped me feel less alone.”
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“This changed how I see success.”
That shift signals progress.
Lessons Beyond Sports
Why This Resonates With Everyday Life
Not everyone performs on Olympic stages—but everyone faces pressure.
Deadlines. Expectations. Fear of failure.
Biles and Shiffrin showed that pausing, reassessing, and asking for help isn’t quitting—it’s surviving.
The Future of Mental Health in Sports
A New Standard Is Emerging
Sports organizations are now:
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Hiring mental performance coaches
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Encouraging open dialogue
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Prioritizing athlete well-being
This change didn’t happen overnight. It happened because champions spoke up.
Simone Biles Today: Stronger Than Ever
Returning on Her Own Terms
After prioritizing her mental health, Biles returned to competition with renewed confidence—and more public support than ever.
Her legacy now extends beyond medals.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Redemption Arc
Growth Through Struggle
Shiffrin later described her Olympic experience as painful—but transformative.
She emerged wiser, more grounded, and emotionally stronger.
Why These Conversations Will Last
A Turning Point in Olympic History
Years from now, people won’t just remember scores and standings.
They’ll remember the moment athletes chose honesty over heroics.
What We Can All Learn From Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin
Key Takeaways
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Pressure affects everyone
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Mental health is performance health
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Courage isn’t always loud
Sometimes, courage looks like stepping back.
Conclusion: More Than Champions, They’re Human
Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin didn’t just talk about Olympic struggles—they changed how the world understands them. Their vulnerability shattered the myth of invincibility and replaced it with something far more powerful: authenticity.
In doing so, they reminded us that greatness isn’t measured only in gold medals, but in the courage to protect your mind, honor your limits, and keep going—on your own terms.