Within a matter of hours, both Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics and for several reasons, it was the only moment that mattered.
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Earlier this year, with press criticizing her every move, Osaka announced she would not be partaking in the French Open and Wimbledon— simply because her mental health was far more important than the competition. Yesterday, it was announced that Biles would be withdrawing the competition, citing the need to "focus on her mental health."
Though Biles didn't speak out about her decision, what's understood doesn't need to be explained. The media, naysayers disguised as supporters, and whomever else armed with an unwarranted opinion, love to put Black women (especially) under a microscope. We aren't allowed to simply exist and be human. We're always seen as strong, as the superhero, as the one carrying everyone and everything else on our backs as though we are the golden answer to saving the world. And that needs to end. We get tired and deserve rest. We require it. The same way we deserve and require love, respect, privacy, decency, protection, and grace.
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Culture journalist Njera Perkins penned a brilliant piece entitled "Black Women Athletes Aren't Your Performance Mules." She wrote, "...the strong Black woman archetype purports that Black women are unnaturally strong, resilient, independent, and invulnerable. Because these women are physically strong, they’re also expected not to bow under the weight of the expectations set for them. So when they speak out—as Richardson has about grief, Osaka has about mental health, and Serena Williams has about gestational mortality—they’re perceived as problematic figures disrupting the culture of sports..."
Biles has been very vocal about how she's had to diminish her talent to prevent outshining others, despite being the greatest gymnast in history. However, she was rarely (if at all) granted the grace to be incredibly talented or have the opinion to bow out without backlash.
Melissa Kimble, writer and founder of BLK Creatives, discussed the birthright Black women have to rest. She expressed, "in a society that values productivity over humanity, and places superhuman expectations on Black women, Simone stepping away didn’t just challenge the status quo, it obliterated it." And it's as simple as that.
Simone Biles' exit may be a shocker to those who choose not to prioritize their mental health or are known for "powering through it;" however, for Black women, we get it. We're no longer pushing ourselves to wit's end to make everyone around us feel comfortable. Influencer and founder of Seen & Black, Simi Muhumuza summed it up perfectly: "This is the year of Black women, girls and femmes choosing themselves and their mental health. I love it here."
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.