Simone Biles Reveals Olympic Gymnastics Team Finals Started with Therapy

Simone Biles opened up about the role therapy played in her participation in this year's 2024 Paris Summer Games.

In a recent interview with TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb on the "Making Space with Hoda Kotb" podcast, Biles discussed her return to Olympic gymnastics competition and the so-called "redemption tour" of the US women's gymnastics team She confided how therapy and ongoing, consistent mental care were essential as she completed the tour. [Especially going to therapy and having sessions helps me physically and mentally. I know it's an important part of my routine."

Earlier in the week, after her team won gold in the women's team finals, Biles revealed that she started her day by going to therapy.

"To start the day off, I went to therapy this morning.

"I told them I was calm and ready to go, and that's exactly what happened," she continued.

"After I finished jumping, I was so relieved. I didn't have any flashbacks or anything.

Biles was referring to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where the most glamorous gymnast in history experienced what is commonly referred to as a "sprain" and was forced to withdraw from part of the competition.

"I think I used to push my trauma away. So it really helped me and that's why I'm doing what I'm doing today."

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Since the 2020 Games, Biles has proudly advocated for mental health care and prioritizing one's emotional and spiritual well-being above all else.

"I think I used to think of therapy as a weakness, but now I see it as a strength," Biles continued. 'And if I have someone to help me cope with what I'm going through, that's what I need. And now it's part of my routine."