Mental health is becoming an increasingly important theme in the sports world, says De Vries. “People think it’s good that athletes also dare to stand up for themselves.” Sponsors of the gymnast are also sympathetic, including credit card company Visa. Sportswear brand Athleta said on Tuesday that “being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself”.
Former first lady Michelle Obama said she was proud of Biles in a tweet. Singer Justin Bieber, who previously spoke openly about his own mental health issues, wrote on Instagram that “saying no is sometimes stronger than saying yes”.
“I know we don’t know each other, but I’m so proud of your decision to pull out,” Bieber wrote in his message to Biles.
–
