It Is Still Just a Game, Folks

It appears that the critics are out in force regarding Olympic gymnast, Simone Biles, withdrawing from the team competition and the individual all-around competition in this year’s Summer Olympic Games. I understand it. I know the pride that we have in our athletes and their accomplishments. I understand that we have expectations as well. But I think that her critics are off-base here.

I understand that Americans don’t like to be perceived of as being a “quitter.” We celebrate those athletes that push through illness, and injury, and pain to win or even to compete.

But Simone Biles has proven herself. She is hardly an unknown quantity. Even Lou Gehrig eventually asked to be taken out when he knew that he couldn’t take the field and help his team.

Sure, we expect athletes to push through challenges, pain, and setbacks. Sure, one can play in the NBA Finals like Michael Jordan with the flu or food poisoning. Sure, one can perform the vault in the Olympics like Kerri Strug with an injured ankle. But I think competing in gymnastics at the highest level on the world’s biggest stage when you inexplicably can’t get your mind right is asking a lot of anyone, even someone as experienced, talented, and tested as Simone Biles.

I’ve never played a sport at the highest level, but I have played sports and I have trained for sports and for fitness. I promise you that Simone Biles has pushed through doubt, fatigue, pain, and uncertainty in her illustrious career. This isn’t your kid that you have to insist that they not quit Little League.

As a society we are starting to acknowledge the importance of seeing to our emotional and mental health. We tell one another that we should be strong enough to seek help. We tell one another that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. What message are we sending here with our criticism of Simone Biles for withdrawing from competition? This isn’t a war. This isn’t life and death stuff. It is women’s gymnastics at the Olympics. Her health and welfare needs to come first.

One of my all-time Olympic heroes was Dan Jansen (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Jansen). He competed in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games after learning that his sister died. A favorite, he didn’t medal. In time he overcame his trials to win Olympic gold in 1994. Dan decided to compete upon hearing of the death of his sister. Was that the right choice? Who can say, but Dan Jansen? I applauded his courage and his desire to compete. But I abhor the certainty that had he chosen to not to compete, there would have been those that would have seen fit to criticize him and cast doubt upon his toughness.

It is really just a game, folks. Simone Biles competes, as do others, as a representative of the United States of America. We bask in the reflected glory of their athletic accomplishments. We have every right to be proud of them and our nation. But I think that some of us are getting it twisted.

We owe them too. We owe these athletes our love and our loyalty. Being hurt or sick hardly breaks the social contract between us. When they proudly put on the USA uniform and represent us to the best of their abilities, we owe them. Now is the time to be compassionate and pay up. We owe Simone Biles our concern, our compassion, and our respect. 🇺🇸👏😐