How Simone Biles brought the importance of mental health to the world’s greatest stage

Guest: Nadine Yousif, the Star’s mental health reporter

The Tokyo Olympics have been historic in many ways. The games took place in the middle of a global pandemic, Canada’s female athletes are bringing in the gold and glory, and mental health has been brought to the centre stage. Olympians have rallied around U.S. gymnast Simone Biles’ decision to bow out of team finals, the latest example of a high-profile figure publicly putting their mental health first. Her decision is being celebrated by many, as it shows that even superhuman athletes struggle with pressure from work, and mental health struggles can affect everyone. It is OK to not be OK.