I was going to title this post: “Simone Biles quits on team USA”.

That’s a bold statement that I’m predicting many will post in the days an hours to come. I don’t really believe that that’s an accurate statement. There will be plenty of defenders, but probably many, many detractors. And of those detractors, there will be a loud and vocal majority who have never even sniffed a level of competition that Simone has been at, that will complain about how she let America down in a key and pivotal moment. Also racists, but this isn’t about that.

I have to admit; since my niece stays up on gymnastics, I pay attention to these issues. When I heard that she wore a Leo with a goat made of diamonds on it, my nose rankled. There’s something about knowing you’re good at something-and there’s the bravado of being an American-where brash talk is part of the game, the headspace, and being the “Greatest of all Time”. There’s also something about the honorable, the selflessness, and the modesty that comes with athletics and sports. Because in those things, there is always someone better coming around the corner, and your place is never guaranteed.

And maybe that got into her headspace. She had already released statements talking about the pressure of the world on her shoulders. It’s not anything she didn’t handle before-after all, she’s been so dominant in her championships, it was assumed the worlds greatest gymnast would cruise past this olympics, even with shaky qualifying results . But she pulled out early and left a heartbreaking statement about hoping America still loves her. That’s heartbreaking in itself. Imagine being the greatest of all time and yet hoping that people still support you because you feel human sometimes. I still support her, regardless.

Did she quit? That’s on her, I won’t judge someone who has to be in that position and highest ability. In most sports-it’s the “next man up” attitude that creates upsets and opportunities. It has always been that way. I was most excited to see if team USA could continue on without her and still claim gold. And for a short while, it even did seem possible. However in the end, the “Not-Russian” ROC team claimed gold over the remainder of team USA and we have just a bunch of what-ifs left of the shell that “could have” been.

Hopefully, the only thing that comes is that we celebrate a team that persevered, as well as a gymnast that may have had her heyday end, which also recognizing that maybe modesty might need a little bit of a comeback, because in the end, anything can happen.

And also maybe we can back off on the “owing” mentality. While it’s true another goat might be trash talked-I think the greater point is to NOT trash talk someone. That’s the growth.

Also, in spirit of that, I predict that the other GOAT might have some trouble this year. His comments have always been modest except for maybe this past year. He’s got a right to talk smack, but those upsets always bring the greatest opportunity…

EDIT;

also, to note-this should in no way take away from the other athletes. Biles made her choice-we don’t owe her anything and she doesn’t owe an explanation. But don’t try to take anything away from the next ones up. Stepping up to the plate is tremendous and should be applauded much more than stepping down. Especially since the team still took home silver. Hopefully they can manage some golds too.