One month ago, the entire nation cheered her on as she competed at the largest sporting event in the world. We watched as she conquered, time and time again, in her craft. We saw her grace and maturity off the stage and out of the spotlight. Her dedication is inspiring; her joy, indescribable. 19 year-old Simone Biles has become an overnight sensation, with her success at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She is America's sweetheart, capturing our hearts in the gym and out.
She also has ADHD.
But, why does that matter? Well, it does, but maybe not in the way that you think.
On September 13, leaks of Biles' medical records were released online by a group of Russian hackers, prompting her to disclose the fact that she has taken the controlled substance Ritalin since she was a child to combat the effects of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Biles released the following tweets on Tuesday afternoon:
While the World Anti-Doping Association and USA Gymnastics were quick to jump in and assure the public that Biles filled out the proper paperwork in accordance with the Olympics regarding her medication, the fact still remains: this was an attempt to embarrass and shame Biles for private details of her life.
Well, Biles has proven herself to be more than just a star athlete and American icon: she's a role model.
The attempt to make Biles uncomfortable and ashamed has backfired; as indicated in her tweets, Simone Biles is not ashamed of who she is and how she lives her life. So she needs a little help; don't we all?
Biles has not only proven herself to be a role model for boys and girls in the gym, but also in their own skin. She has shown an attitude that is beyond her 19 years- ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of. Medication to balance these effects is nothing to be ashamed.
Being open and honest about who you are is nothing to be ashamed of.
Simone Biles has just made history again. Because, who knows what 13 year-old is watching this play out, thinking that maybe her ADHD doesn't have to prohibit her from achieving her dreams? Who knows what next Olympian is sitting at their computer screen, reading Biles' response and thinking, "Huh. If she can do it, why can't I?"
Who knows who she is inspiring right now?
We don't need a generation of scared, intimidated children who are afraid to go after what they want because people might make fun of them, or they might not succeed. We need a generation of young people that is willing to stand up and say, "This is who I am, and I don't need your approval."
So, go ahead, do your worst. Simone Biles isn't going anywhere, folks. Get used to it.
