Defining OK to Play

“Middle Age Sports” aka softball is famous for the quote “Walk it off. You’ll be fine!”

Sometimes that works, and sometimes that compounds the issue. The last time I heard that famous phrase eventually ended my recreational “career.”

Likewise, it is a lesson of how much mental focus many games and sports truly require. Sometimes the simplest of processes can be derailed by not having the mental focus.

The 2021 Olympics is a good example of that. We have athletes who are treated by royalty only to snub the country sponsoring them. Meanwhile, is the focus better or awkward to the point of distracting when they play before an empty stadium>

Simone Biles again made headlines, but she isn’t doing twists and bends above the mat. She isn’t dazzling spectators with her balance ability. She is choosing to back away from the stage. By headlines at this point, she is choosing not to compete; mental health is more important than physical prowess.

The statement leads to as many questions as smiles of contentment. It makes sense for any person, any athlete, to take care of themselves physically and mentally before selling out to the stage. It makes sense that if you’re feeling overwhelmed to take a break from the spotlight.

The Olympics are by nature political. This country fielded so many athletes and returned home with this number of gold, silver and bronze medals. They are the best! Ok, so. It’s like “safe” war games. Instead of bodies on the field, there are sore muscles and, call this an interesting twist, protests of the sponsoring country.

Biles quickly earned her place in the record books, television commercials and breakfast cereal boxes with her ability to do what most of us think the human body isn’t designed to accomplish.

The sudden withdrawal makes me wonder what happens to people who don’t want to be part of the political game plan. What is it like to be on the American soccer team and stand for the flag regardless what others do? What was it like to be among the hammer throw team who stood for the flag instead of snubbing it?

Biles likely has a trophy room that would be the envy of athletes twice a her age. Did she reach her limit? Did she decide she achieved what she wanted and it is time to return to private life? Likely what we can agree on is her bowing out means she would rather go out on top, the sign of a true competitor; don’t settle for average.

So the question that should be addressed to the fans are do you want a champion who does not feel mentally ready for the event and settles for a less than stellar score, or one who backs away knowing she is not fully in her mental state.

She has said publicly this year’s Olympics are stressing and odd competing without fans. Maybe what we’re seeing is continuing fallout from the COVID restrictions. Then again, maybe Biles has achieved her goals and sees the Olympics for something she doesn’t like.