In a recent op-ed piece, All In Together CEO Lauren Leader praised world-famous gymnast Simone Biles for her courage in stepping away from competition in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the sake of her mental health.

“Biles set aside the crushing expectations of globally-hyped media attention and prioritized her own wellbeing. Hers was a radical feminist act that will have far-reaching, consequential impact for years to come,” Leader wrote.

We strive to prioritize mental health in all aspects of our work to ensure the wellbeing of each of our change specialists and project partners. Change Matrix (CM) also recognizes the immense pressure and unique challenges that taking this action must have entailed for Biles, and we commend her bold action to prioritize and protect her mental health, particularly in honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Many of the world’s most decorated gymnasts sacrificed their long-term health, physical and mental, for gold. Kerri Strug’s gymnastics career was ended at 18 when she was pushed by coach Bella Karoli to perform a vault on a broken ankle at the Olympics in 1996 in order to bring USA the gold. Her self-sacrifice is emblematic of the win-at-all-costs culture that Biles rejected in Tokyo. Not surprisingly, Strug tweeted her support for Biles not long after the news of her withdrawal became public.”

Biles herself took a moment to acknowledge the praise she received after her decision and reflect on her newfound perspective.

Read Leader’s full piece at this link.