(L)Former US first lady Michelle Obama (C) smiles as she attends a side event for the Obama Foundation in Kuala Lumpur on December 12, 2019. (R)Simone Biles of Team United States smiles during the Women's Team Final on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
(Picture: Getty)Former first lady Michelle Obama joined the band of support and encouragement for Simone Biles after the champion gymnast withdrew from the all-around team final at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, citing mental health issues.
On Tuesday, the former first lady took to her Twitter account to pen her daily slogan with the sports star via Twitter. “Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily,” Obama wrote.
Obama also noted her admiration for the 24-year-old champion and said, “We are rooting for you.”
She also congratulated the United States gymnasts on their silver medal achievement.
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA! 🎊
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
The event was won by the Russian Olympic Committee.
In the comments of Obama’s post, people also shared the same sentiments and proud of her for “taking time” for herself to recuperate.
“Can’t help but think that this is a moment for black women to do the thing we rarely do. Check-in w/yourself. Make “self-care” more than a buzzword or the last thing on your to-do list. Schedule therapy you’ve been putting off. Prioritize yourself. For real this time! #YouMatter,” someone wrote.
“It’s okay to not be okay!! We are so proud of you
@Simone_Biles, and we support you for stepping up and taking the time for yourself. Congratulations!!” another added, which seemed to cite tennis star Naiomi Osaka’s TIME magazine essay title.
Check out some other responses below.
This is a lesson to always do what is needed to take care of yourself first and foremost. #icanseeclearlynowtherainisgone https://t.co/deorDxGral
— Rosalind Woodruff (@alliswrite123) July 28, 2021
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 We love you @Simone_Biles. You are amazing, both off an on the competition floor. #SimoneBiles https://t.co/pwCEhFhbej
— Eboné Smiley⁷ (she/her) (@smileystylist) July 28, 2021
Exactly what she said! 👇🏾 https://t.co/AjOm9VOv7Q
— Nwando Olayiwola (@DrNwando) July 28, 2021
Proud of you @Simone_Biles for having the courage to take care of YOU. https://t.co/QpBtUnkDwW
— Karen Finney (@finneyk) July 28, 2021
This is a great message for all young women. Yes, you are good enough. You are loved and that is enough https://t.co/02winMoj55
— linda chiba (@lchiba) July 28, 2021
We keep saying ‘its ok not to be ok’ and encouraging people to seek help. Well done to the team but esp to @Simone_Biles - what a fantastic role model in all ways. 👏👏👏🌟 take time and take care. Rest. Recover and Be Well https://t.co/gLU8yY3lsE
— Annabel Howell (@howell_annabel) July 28, 2021
When Biles withdrew from the event, she told reporters that she was handling it “one day [at] a time.”
“Whenever you get in a high-stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and wellbeing,” she added in widely applauded remarks. She has not committed to competing in the other finals in Tokyo for which she has qualified.
The USA Gymnastics committee also mentioned their support of Biles’ “bravery.”
“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being,” USA Gymnastics said, in part, in a statement.
Naturally, people have shown an enormous amount of respect and support for Biles as they continue to address how proud they are of her and how she “already won” in their eyes.
Until August 8, when you use #SimoneBiles or #Simone, an emoji of a goat in a leotard with a gold medal that represents the “Greatest of All Time” G.O.A.T.) will appear. She is the first female athlete to receive a goat emoji on Twitter.
Biles withdrew from the final individual all-around competition on Thursday, USA Gymnastics said on Wednesday morning. Biles is still set to compete in the individual finals, which will take place from Saturday to Tuesday.
