Simone Biles Fires Back At Critics

Olympic champion and arguably greatest gymnast ever, Simone Biles, has absolutely had it with the haters. After missing much of the Summer Olympics due to mental health concerns and  the “twisties,” she could still capture two medals, including an individual bronze on the balance beam.

Biles’ accomplishments have been overshadowed by what many fans think was the self-proclaimed GOAT quitting on her team when they needed her and failing to participate in her two best individual disciplines: the vault and floor exercise. 

However, the Spring, Texas native is firing back at those who denigrated her taking mental health breaks during the most trying event in her lifetime.

Proudly displaying her new hardware on Instagram, Biles had a special message for her doubters:

Related: Watch Simone Biles Introduce Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” With A Patriotic Message!

Simone Biles: The Greatest Ever? 

The IG caption reads: 

Definitely not the way I planned the olympics going but I wouldn’t change anything for the world ? I’m proud of myself and the career I’ve had thus far. this olympics doesn’t erase the past accomplishments I’ve achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete. I’ve pushed through so much the past couple years , the word quitter is not in my vocabulary. for some of you that may be how you define me but keep talking because I can’t hear you over my 7 olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated american gymnast ??

The Olympian is not apologizing or asking for forgiveness for her decisions and is proud of her accomplishments.

And while her stance on mental health and advocacy is admirable, I think many people will wonder: is Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all times?

From a technical standpoint, it is hard to argue otherwise. She has done things in the gym that no one has ever done before.

In fact, she is SO dominant that they’ve had to adjust the points system so that other, less-athletic gymnasts do not attempt what Biles can do and end up hurting themselves.

On the other hand, many will argue that being the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT) is more than just being the most athletically gifted; there is also an element of mental toughness that is needed.

When you look at those considered the very best in sports, there is an element of mental strength where they can push themselves above and beyond normal limits to achieve greatness.

Whether it was the Jordan flu game or Tiger Woods returning to win the 2019 Masters, those considered the “best” can lock in mentally when it really matters. 

But perhaps Biles is showing a new side to this mental strength.

She pulled out of the Olympics after a less-than-stellar vault routine where everyone agreed she looked mentally and physically out of it.

No one knows their own mental state better than themselves.

Biles felt off, and the subpar vault affirmed it. Rather than stick around and cost her team a podium spot, she chose to sit out, knowing the remaining team could succeed without her.

All I know is that her legacy SHOULD be her seven Olympic medals and not a singular mental health episode. 

But what do you THINK?! Is Simone Biles the best ever? If not, who is the best gymnast ever?