Mental Health in the Olympic Spotlight

 

                                                                          Simone Biles 

In the months before the Tokyo Olympics the articles about American gymnast Simone Biles seemed endless. She is arguably the greatest gymnast ever, with a rate combination of courage, power, creativity, and joy. Watching her routines caused one to wonder how a human being could do the things she was doing, as though she was defying gravity. At the same time she demonstrated exuberance and sass that brought even her teammates to their feet with appreciation.

The prediction was that she would dominate the events in which she participated in Tokyo, almost as though she really didn't need to show up. Then, to everyone's surprise, she withdrew partway through her first event and announced that she would not participate in others. She was forthright in saying that she was making these choices for the sake of her mental health. 

The reaction to Biles' decisions has been mixed. Many have applauded her for putting her emotional and mental well-being first. There have been articles pointing to studies that show Olympic athletes have a higher incidence of mental illness that the general population. These are mostly young people who are expected to perform at an extremely high level, often far from home. The Tokyo Olympics are being held under the pall of a pandemic and family members haven't been allowed to attend to provide support. 

Some of the reaction to Simone's withdrawal has been appalling. People who have never performed at this level in any discipline are suddenly experts on sports psychology. They even question her patriotism and there are undertones of racism.

I was truly disgusted with tennis star Novak Djokavic suggested that Biles needs to learn how to deal better with pressure. And then when he lost an Olympic match which put him out of the competition he smashed rackets and withdrew from the doubles competition, leaving his partner in the lurch. Arrogant guy physician, heal thyself.

There are lots of healing stories in the New Testament and in a number of them Jesus addresses the mental health of those who seek him out. Some have obvious mental health issues while others come to be healed in body only to have Jesus address their spiritual and psychological issues. He does so with compassion.

We are certainly talking more about mental health issues these days than in the past. Sadly, we tend to talk a better game than we play in this regard. There are reasons that people in virtually every sphere of life who are struggling tend to suffer in silence, including leaders in communities of faith. 

I hope that all athletes in Tokyo can come away from the games with a sense of accomplishment and receive the support of their compatriots. I pray that all of us can have the "peace which passes understanding" in each passing day.