Justin Bieber is praising Simone Biles for her decision to prioritize her mental health.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the 24-year-old gymnast has withdrawn from the team final “due to medical reasons” at the Tokyo Olympics; she later withdrew from the all-around competition as well.
Simone has since opened up about needing to focus on her mental health.
“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 said, via CNN.
“We have to protect our body and our mind. It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head,” she continued, adding that she and her teammates are “not just athletes, we’re people at the end of the day.”
“Physically, I feel good, I’m in shape,” Simone went on. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time and we’ll see.”
“I’m OK, just super frustrated of how the night, but super proud of these girls and now we’re silver medalists. Something we’ll cherish forever. We hope America still loves us,” she concluded.
Justin went on Instagram on Wednesday (July 28) and posted a photo of Simone, along with a heartfelt message of support.
“Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face!” he wrote. “I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as – what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul. Sometimes our no’s are more powerful than our yes’s. When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why.”
“People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!!” he continued, adding, “So proud of you @simonebiles.”
Fans will recall that Justin cut short his 2017 Purpose Tour. “I’ve learned the more you appreciate your calling the more you want to protect your calling,” he wrote, explaining his decision at the time. “Me taking this time right now is me saying I want to be SUSTAINABLE… so that I can be the man I want to be, the husband I eventually want to be, and the father I want to be.”
And Justin isn’t the only one in Simone’s corner.
Her teammates, her fans and several other celebrities have also gone on social media to show support for Simone – including Hoda Kotb, Andy Cohen, fashion designer Christian Siriano, fellow athletes Aly Raisman and Adam Rippon, and more.
In response to all the love she’s gotten, Simone went on Twitter to thank everyone for their support.
“the outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before. 🤍,” she wrote.
We love you, Simone!
