Simone Biles prepares for her 'redemption tour' at the Paris Olympic Games.

Simone Biles, the American gymnast who has captivated the world with her exceptional talent, is once again in the spotlight as the competition for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games approaches. Three years after her unexpected withdrawal from most events in Tokyo, Biles has described her participation in this new Olympic edition as her "redemption tour." At 27 years old and with a record of four Olympic gold medals, she returns as a clear favorite, standing out not only for her athletic skill but also for her renewed perspective on mental health. Biles' story has resonated deeply in the contemporary sports landscape. Her experience in Tokyo, marked by the phenomenon known as "twisties," where a gymnast's mind and body disconnect, triggered a significant change in her life. This episode led her to prioritize her mental well-being, becoming a role model for many athletes facing similar pressures. In her own words, "being in a good mental state" has become her priority, attending therapy weekly, which has been crucial in her journey towards recovery. As the competition in Paris approaches, Biles has proven her worth by qualifying in first place in the individual event. However, her path has not been without challenges. In a recent practice, she showed signs of physical discomfort, prompting her coach to note that a twinge in her calf might have affected her performance. This reminder of athletes' physical and mental vulnerability is an aspect that has gained greater relevance today, and Biles is aware of it. The evolution of gymnastics, largely driven by Biles, has led to the incorporation of routines that emphasize power and gravity-defying challenges, rather than the classic ballet choreography that once dominated the sport. Laurie Hernandez, Biles' teammate, emphasizes that the difficulty of routines has significantly increased compared to previous years, raising the level of competition and viewer excitement. Biles, with her innovative "Yurchenko with double tucked somersault" vault, has left an indelible mark on the discipline, being the only one to successfully execute this move. The pressure of elite sports has led to a shift in mindset among athletes, as demonstrated by Biles' decision not to participate in every event in Paris if she deems it necessary. Her coach, Cecile Landi, has emphasized the importance of providing options to the gymnast, which contributes to her mental and emotional well-being. This approach has been fundamental for Biles to remain in the competitive sphere and continue to shine. In response to the growing concern for athletes' mental health, USA Gymnastics has implemented measures to alleviate pressure on Biles and her team. This includes greater flexibility in media obligations, allowing the gymnast to focus on her performance without external distractions. The organization's head of communications, Jill Geer, has worked to ensure an environment that favors Biles' optimal performance. Recently, a documentary series on Netflix has provided fans with a deeper insight into Biles' life, exploring not only her success but also her personal struggles and the impact of her marriage to American football player Jonathan Owens. In the documentary, Biles shares her desire not to show weakness to the world, despite the challenges she has faced in her career. The environment at the Paris Olympic Games promises to be different for Biles and her team, who have expressed their excitement about competing in a more traditional setting, free from the pandemic's restrictions. Sunisa Lee, Biles' teammate, has described these Games as a "redemption tour" for the U.S. women's team, which seeks to overcome the disappointment of their performance in Tokyo. However, the legacy of Biles' experience three years ago has been monumental. Her courage in speaking about her mental health has inspired other athletes, like Lee, to seek psychological support after facing difficult situations. This cultural shift in sports highlights the well-being of athletes, emphasizing that success is not solely measured in medals and trophies. As Biles prepares for Paris, her focus has shifted. Far from obsessing over the pursuit of medals, she has reflected on her own definition of success. "Success is what I achieve," she stated recently, underscoring the importance of personal growth over physical accomplishments. Simone Biles' story is not only a testament to resilience but also a call to action to prioritize mental health in the world of competitive sports. Her journey will continue to inspire generations of athletes, reminding them that true triumph lies in taking care of oneself amidst the demands of high performance.