Simone Biles and the Olympics: Championing Mental Health and Human Resilience
Simone Biles redefined success by prioritizing mental health at Tokyo 2020, showing athletes' resilience and the importance of well-being.
Simone Biles, a name synonymous with gymnastics excellence, has not only captivated the world with her awe-inspiring performances but also opened up crucial conversations about mental health in sports. During the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, Biles made a groundbreaking decision to step back and prioritize her mental well-being over competition, shedding light on the often unseen pressures elite athletes face.
Biles' journey is a testament to resilience and the importance of acknowledging mental health challenges. Her choice to prioritize her well-being over the pursuit of medals was a powerful reminder that athletes, despite their superhuman feats, are human too. This bold move encouraged many to recognize that mental health is as crucial as physical health.
Biles' story is invaluable for students and young athletes. It illustrates that success is not just about triumphs and accolades but also about the courage to face and overcome personal struggles. Her decision to withdraw and later return to compete on her terms underscored the message that seeking help and taking a break is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
The Olympics, a grand stage to foster global unity, showcased this lesson. In a world often divided by politics and ideologies, sports bring people together, reminding us of our shared humanity. Athletes like Biles, who openly discuss their mental health, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
As we celebrate Biles' achievements and her advocacy, we can support and prioritize mental health for our students and ourselves in all aspects of life, including sports. Check out a list of resources exploring the history of the Olympics and resources to strengthen mental health for students and educators:
Exploring the Modern Olympics Games: History, Arts and Crafts
In this engaging lesson, young students will discover the history and significance of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games. They will learn about the values of teamwork and diversity, and express their understanding through fun and collaborative arts and crafts projects.
The Modern Olympic Games – History, Civics, and Social Justice
In this lesson, middle and high school students explore the history, civics, and social justice aspects of the modern Olympic Games. They will examine the origins and evolution of the Olympics, analyze their global impact, and discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and social justice.
Olympic Medal Tracker
Help students to keep track of the U.S. medals won during the Olympics with this Olympic Medal Tracker from Twinkl.
Centering Disabilities in the K-8 Classroom with Nonfiction Texts
Join Lee & Low Books and Paralympic gold medalist Patty Cisneros Prevo for Centering Disabilities in the Classroom. Senior Literacy Manager Katie Potter will moderate the conversation with Patty as she discusses the development of her nonfiction picture book Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes, the difference between person-first and identity-first language, and how to select quality texts that reflect the lived experiences of young people.
Simone Biles Honors Her Mental Health, Leaves Olympic Competition
Simone Biles withdrew from the competition honoring her mental health at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. What are some ways in your everyday life that you can take a break and practice self-care?
Olympic Rings Color Sheet
Use this free Olympic rings coloring sheet to decorate in class or at home!
History of the Modern Olympics
You can either use or adapt this PowerPoint slide deck to provide a thorough introduction to the history of the modern Olympic games. From the ancient games in Greece to the modern global event, discover how the Olympics have evolved, overcoming challenges and uniting the world through sports
The Olympics: Body and Mind
Use this lesson plan to teach students about mental health and the Olympic Games.
Breaking Makes Olympic Debut
An entirely new medal event will debut at the Olympics in about two weeks: breaking, or what’s perhaps more widely known to the uninitiated as breakdancing. What began at block parties in the Bronx will be going for gold in the heart of Paris.
The History of the Olympic Games: Lesson Plans and Resources
Dive into the excitement and spirit of the Olympics with engaging Olympic activities for students designed to inspire your classroom. This collection offers a diverse range of activities and lesson plans that cover both the Summer and Winter Games, promoting themes of teamwork, diversity, and physical fitness.
Mental Health Awareness
As we navigate the complexities of today's world, it is crucial to prioritize mental health in order to foster resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence among our children. The resources included in this collection address various topics, such as stress management, self-esteem building, mental health coping mechanisms and professional learning webinars.
Andy Kratochvil is an SML team member who loves hiking, video games, scary books, Mexican food, and finding great content for the Share My Lesson community. He studied political science and French at California State University, Fullerton and received his Master’s in International Affairs from... See More
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