The Olympic games officially kick off in Milan on February 6, and athletes around the world are preparing to dare for gold. One contender is Mikaela Shiffrin, who is arguably one of the world’s greatest skiers of all time. Shiffrin is also the host of the podcast What’s the Point, where she invites fellow athletes to come talk about life beyond sports. One of her recent guests was Simone Biles, and the two had a heart-to-heart as Shiffrin shared her anxieties heading to Italy. In one of several clips shared to the podcast’s Instagram page, Shiffrin confides to Biles: “I would love to get to the point where I’m going [to Milan]—maybe it’s not going to be totally comfortable, but to be able to imagine Cortina in a more optimistic light.” She asks the gymnastic champ how and if she ever achieved a mental quietude amidst the solitude of intense pressure—and Biles had the best answer.
On her Paris experience, she said, “I just did what I knew was right. In the end, whatever the picture was going to be, it was going to write itself. The success I had in Paris, I put in as much mental work as I did physical. I knew I was so mentally ready that nothing could stop me.” Biles also had encouragement for Shiffrin that extends to everyone chasing something they love. “At the end of the day, [it’s] truly for you. If you’re skiing out of love and out of passion, then you’re going to be successful. You can’t ski for anyone other than little Mikaela that started because she loved it.”
A Moment That Went Beyond Medals
Every once in a while, an interview cuts through the noise. No controversy. No headlines about records or rankings. Just a human moment that hits you right in the chest.
That’s exactly what happened when Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, offered heartfelt encouragement to a fellow Olympian during a recent interview. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t scripted. But it was powerful—and deeply relatable.
In a world obsessed with winning, Simone reminded us of something far more important: grace under pressure, kindness toward yourself, and the courage to keep going.
And honestly? We could all use that advice.
Who Is Simone Biles—and Why Her Words Matter
More Than the Greatest Gymnast Ever
Simone Biles isn’t just a champion. She’s a symbol.
With multiple Olympic gold medals, world titles, and skills literally named after her, she has redefined what excellence looks like in gymnastics. But what truly sets her apart is how openly she talks about mental health, pressure, and vulnerability.
A Voice Athletes—and Non-Athletes—Trust
When Simone speaks, people listen. Not because she’s perfect, but because she’s real.
She’s been at the top.
She’s stepped back when it was necessary.
And she’s come back stronger—on her own terms.
That context makes her encouragement hit differently.
The Interview That Sparked the Internet’s Attention
A Quiet, Powerful Exchange
During a post-competition interview, Simone was asked about another Olympian who had been facing intense scrutiny and pressure. Instead of focusing on scores or mistakes, Simone shifted the conversation.
She spoke directly—to the athlete, not about them.
Her message was simple, sincere, and deeply human.
What Simone Biles Actually Said—and Why It Resonated
Words That Felt Like a Hug
Simone emphasized that:
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You don’t owe anyone perfection
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Your worth isn’t defined by one performance
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Showing up is already an achievement
No clichés. No motivational poster nonsense. Just lived wisdom from someone who knows the weight of expectations better than almost anyone alive.
Why the Internet Reacted So Strongly
Because it felt personal.
Whether you’re an athlete, a student, a parent, or someone just trying to hold it together—her words landed.
It was the kind of encouragement people wish they heard more often.
The Pressure Olympians Face That We Rarely See
Behind the Spotlight
From the outside, Olympic athletes look untouchable. Strong. Confident. Unbreakable.
But behind the scenes?
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Years of sacrifice
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Constant public judgment
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One mistake replayed endlessly online
That pressure doesn’t disappear when the competition starts. It multiplies.
Why Encouragement From a Peer Matters More Than Praise
Praise from fans is nice.
Validation from media is fleeting.
But encouragement from someone who truly understands the struggle? That’s different.
Simone wasn’t speaking as a legend. She was speaking as someone who’s been there.
Mental Health in Elite Sports: Simone’s Lasting Impact
Redefining Strength
When Simone prioritized her mental health on the Olympic stage, she changed the conversation forever.
Strength stopped meaning “push through no matter what.”
It started meaning “listen to yourself and protect your well-being.”
Why Her Encouragement Carries Extra Weight
She’s not offering advice from the sidelines. She’s lived it.
That authenticity makes her words feel safe—and powerful.
The Universal Lesson Hidden in Simone’s Advice
This Wasn’t Just for Olympians
Here’s the thing: Simone wasn’t only talking to one athlete.
She was talking to:
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People afraid of failing publicly
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Anyone feeling crushed by expectations
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Those who think they’re only valuable when they perform perfectly
That’s most of us.
How We Can Apply Simone Biles’ Advice to Everyday Life
1. Stop Tying Your Worth to Results
Didn’t get the promotion?
Made a mistake?
Had an off day?
That doesn’t erase your value.
Simone’s message reminds us that effort and presence matter more than outcomes.
2. Give Yourself the Grace You Give Others
We’re often kinder to strangers than to ourselves.
Simone modeled what self-compassion looks like—even at the highest level.
3. Speak Encouragement Out Loud
One sentence can change someone’s day.
Or their mindset.
Or their confidence.
Simone didn’t overthink it. She just spoke from the heart.
Why This Moment Felt So Refreshing in 2026
Authenticity Over Perfection
In a media landscape full of rehearsed answers and polished personas, this moment felt raw—and refreshing.
No branding.
No agenda.
Just empathy.
The Ripple Effect of One Kind Interview
How Moments Like This Shape Culture
Athletes influence more than sports. They shape how we talk about success, failure, and resilience.
Simone’s words added another brick to a healthier, more compassionate sports culture—and beyond.
Why Simone Biles Continues to Be a Role Model Off the Mat
Leadership Without Ego
True leadership isn’t loud.
Sometimes it’s a calm voice reminding someone they’re enough.
That’s the kind of legacy Simone is building.
What This Teaches Us About Real Confidence
Confidence Isn’t Arrogance
Confidence is knowing who you are—even when things go wrong.
Simone’s encouragement reflected deep self-assurance, not superiority.
Social Media’s Reaction: Why People Felt Seen
Comments That Told a Bigger Story
Fans didn’t just praise Simone.
They shared stories.
They thanked her.
They said, “I needed to hear that.”
That’s how you know a moment matters.
Why Encouragement Is a Competitive Advantage
Kindness Doesn’t Make You Weak
It makes you human.
And sometimes, it makes you unstoppable.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Success in Sports and Life
Success doesn’t always look like gold medals.
Sometimes it looks like:
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Showing compassion
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Lifting others up
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Knowing when to pause
Simone understands that—and she’s teaching the rest of us.
Conclusion: One Interview, One Reminder We All Needed
Simone Biles didn’t just encourage a fellow Olympian. She reminded the world that greatness includes empathy.
Her words were soft—but their impact was strong.
And whether you’re chasing a dream, recovering from a setback, or just trying to get through the week, her advice stands:
You’re allowed to be human. And that’s more than enough.