Her withdrawal is an example to individuals struggling with mental health that they are not alone, Beard says. These challenges can affect people of all realms — celebrities, top athletes, and the rest of us alike. Beard applauds Biles for her actions. They set an example for others not only to prioritize mental health, but of how to prioritize mental health. Sometimes you need to make the difficult calls, Beard says. “When you’re down in the gutter, you really don’t think that anyone else gets it,” Beard says. “You don’t think that they understand. And it’s a painful spot to be in.” At age 14 Beard made her first Olympic appearance and clinched three medals. She set a world record in the 200-meter breaststroke event, and served as the USA Olympic Swimming Team Captain twice. Now 39, Beard is a wife, mother, spokeswoman, and model. In 2012, she released her first memoir, In the Water They Can’t See You Cry. She cofounded the swim school Beard Swim Co. According to the school’s website, its driving philosophy is: “The ability to swim is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.” Despite her accolades and successes, Beard has been open about the fact that her journey has not been an easy one. In her memoir, she reveals she struggled with depression, bulimia, self-harm, and drug and alcohol abuse. “It’s tough. But once I started talking about it and getting help, I started connecting with people on a deeper level. I became closer with my parents, my sisters, and my friends. No one judged me for it. There was no guilt or shame and everyone was amazing. They reacted with such kindness and love,” Beard says. Here’s more on why she says Biles’s actions exemplify a potential sea change in conversations about mental health. RELATED: Can Getting Mentally Tough Up Your Game? In All Sports, the Answer Is Yes Everyday Health: Biles’s decision to withdraw from her events this week created a groundswell of praise, shock, and some criticism. From your perspective, why are her actions capturing so much of the public’s attention? Amanda Beard: Simone Biles is the athlete to watch. She comes across with so much grace and composure and seems so dominant. When someone like that speaks up and says “I’m not okay” — people pay attention. She’s got the pressure of the whole world on her shoulders, but she knew what was best for her and followed her heart. It’s inspiring. RELATED: The Olympic Games Begin! But Under the Cloud of COVID-19 EH: You’ve talked about struggling with mental health in the past. Did you identify with the struggles Biles has opened up about? AB: As an athlete, you’re a perfectionist. You want to do well. You want to be breaking records and bringing home medals. We have that in common. You don’t need any external pressure. You’re your own worst critic. But Simone — and all the athletes today — have the added pressure of social media. And that’s hard for anyone. RELATED: Is Social Media Busting or Boosting Your Stress? EH: Do you feel that the public reacted differently to Biles’s decision to withdraw compared with reactions in the past to athletes similarly speaking out? AB: When you’re at the Olympics many think “How could you possibly do that? Suck it up.” But I’m happy that this is becoming more of a norm where we are starting to view athletes as multifaceted beings For Biles to be on that grand stage and to have that perspective and clear view to know she needed to step back and do what was best for her is one of the hardest things an athlete can do. She’s brave. Her actions are breaking down barriers and, whether she realizes it or not, she’s affecting young athletes. Simone is saving lives. EH: Why is this changing of norms — and recognition that your mental health is physical health and it does affect performance (in all facets of our lives) — such an important one, both in and outside the sports world? AB: Your [level of] brain and body function directly correlates with how you’re going to perform. The sooner we realize that, the better we will be as people and athletes. You won’t enjoy your successes unless you’re mentally present. You have to enjoy what you’re doing or it’s not worth doing. RELATED: Why Naomi Osaka’s French Open Withdrawal Is a Mental Health Win EH: Are the norms and stigmas around mental health actually changing? As an athlete, what else do you think needs to happen for those stigmas to change? AB: I hope they are changing — and truly think they are — because if they weren’t I don’t think Simone would have said anything during this competition. We’re slowly breaking down these walls and barriers, and Simone gained some strength from others doing so before her. That said, I think there are always going to be barriers to break through. But mental health is becoming more of a “normal,” day-to-day conversation — and hopefully it will become a regular part of training, like diet, exercise, and nutrition are.
