Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, 25, joined three other celebrity sportswomen on the cover of ELLE Spain for the May Issue. Her brave decision to stand down during Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to her failing mental health inspired a new generation of athletes to put themselves first even as they strive for excellence. It also drew more media attention to the champion gymnast, both positive and negative, but she opened up about her experience on the ELLE issue.
Flying In Gold BeadsBiles wore a nude sleeveless minidress with gold beads and fringes sashaying as she performed her poses. The athlete's toned physique stood out against the soft material and braided hair. She told ELLE that it was essential to protect one's mental health regardless of their professional position.
Biles highlighted the impact of her decision on other people around her, saying she received anonymous messages thanking her for speaking up and inspiring them to seek help. She said it takes patience and balance to heal an emotional wound because the gravity sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Simone Is Sally SeashellsBiles wore a white low-back dress with beaded seashells and matching earrings from Bottega Venetta. Her standing position revealed her arm tattoo, which read 1997 (her birth year.) Elle called her the best Gymnast ever, but Biles doesn't always feel so powerful. She decried the effect of bias and bigotry she experiences as a Black female athlete "because some want you to fail." It doesn't matter that,
"You've broken barriers and world records, they judge you based on what they perceive."Biles Goes ToplessBiles went topless in green and white high-waisted pants from Etro. She also dealt with ageism as a gymnast in America. Biles said it was different in 2016 when she competed as a 19-year-old athlete because everyone told her it was her best form, and she couldn't stop it. Biles said she trains harder to prove them wrong but isn't ready to return to the floor because she's busy planning her fairytale wedding to Jonathan Owens.
Collaborating With Athleta Girl"My first official Athleta Girl x Simone Biles collection is available now ✨ With bold designs and some of my favorite inspirational mantras, I co-created these styles to help girls everywhere feel empowered."
Continuing in her quest to impact young ladies who look up to her, Biles released a collaborative collection with sportswear brand Athleta catering to young girls in gymnastics.
]]>The Inquisitr
