Simone Biles Says Anxiety at Olympic Village Was 'Shivering Bad'

Simone Biles may be the most decorated gymnast in gymnastics and the GOAT of the Olympic all-around, but she is also human and has anxiety and other mental health issues just like everyone else.

On Friday, August 2, Biles shared a TikTok video called "Get Ready With me" before competing in the women's gymnastics overall final. In it, she discussed her pre-competition state of mind and her overall mental state for her third Olympic appearance.

"I'm very nervous, but that's to be expected. I had therapy this morning, so I feel a little better," Biles said as she faced the camera. I've been working really hard mentally to get to this moment."

Biles admitted that as a result of his intense anxiety, "I haven't done much around the Olympic Village."

"Because the first day I got here, I went to the cafeteria and a lot of people were asking me nonstop to take their pictures," she explained.

"And every time I sat down to eat, my anxiety got so bad I was shaking."

Biles has been an outspoken advocate for mental health since abstaining from the 2020 Tokyo Games while experiencing "twinges," and in a recent podcast with TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb for "Making Space with Hoda Kotb," In an interview, Biles revealed that she begins her competition days by attending therapy sessions.

"I find that going to therapy and having sessions in particular helps me physically and mentally, and I know that it's an important part of my routine. I know it's an important part of my routine."

Earlier in the week, after the U.S. women's team won gold in the women's gymnastics team final, Biles told the media that she "started with therapy" at the "beginning" of the competition day.

"So it was super exciting," she added. 'I told them I was calm and ready to go, and that's exactly what happened. After the vault, I was relieved. I didn't have any flashbacks or anything.

Biles' willingness to be open about her mental health has had an undeniable impact. Recently, she posted a photo of a particularly "zen" moment during the 2024 Paris Olympics, captioning the post "mental health issues."

Fans (and famous celebrities!) were quick to post in the comments section about how much her honesty and vulnerability meant to them (and others).

"Seeing you win changed the energy of the world," commented comedian Chelsea Handler. 'Happy balloons in your eyes and in ours!!!'

"I've seen so many people who have been there.

"Thank you for being a great example to so many!" posted the Kids Mental Health Foundation's Instagram account.

"Your honesty, vulnerability, and example you shared through your healing is admirable," one fan commented.

"You are an incredible role model and your impact will last beyond sports and for decades to come. Congratulations on your gold medal! 🥇🇺🇸."