Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. I don’t think she should have continued, but I do fear for a generation who are being taught that letting your teammates down makes you a hero.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. I don’t think she should have continued, but I do fear for a generation who are being taught that letting your teammates down makes you a hero.

She gave up her chance for her teammates. Her first vault was a disaster. It was scored 13.7. If she had continued and been scored like that, they would never have medaled at all. Biles stepped back and they fought their way to silver. Biles gave up her spot for the sake of the team as well as herself. She is a class act.

No. If she wasn’t feeling it she should have dropped out so another US gymnast could take her place. Bibles just ended up getting a silver medal for the team event. That medal doesn’t mean much as all to her but would have been so meaningful to a US alternate! The US gives medalists money. Bikes doesn’t need the money. One of the alternates would have really benefited. That isn’t what a class act does!

You sound like an expert on a class act. Lol!! You crazy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. She has the right to step away whenever she wants, but it doesn’t make her a hero. I do worry for our younger generations.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. I don’t think she should have continued, but I do fear for a generation who are being taught that letting your teammates down makes you a hero.

She gave up her chance for her teammates. Her first vault was a disaster. It was scored 13.7. If she had continued and been scored like that, they would never have medaled at all. Biles stepped back and they fought their way to silver. Biles gave up her spot for the sake of the team as well as herself. She is a class act.

No. If she wasn’t feeling it she should have dropped out so another US gymnast could take her place. Bibles just ended up getting a silver medal for the team event. That medal doesn’t mean much as all to her but would have been so meaningful to a US alternate! The US gives medalists money. Bikes doesn’t need the money. One of the alternates would have really benefited. That isn’t what a class act does!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. I don’t think she should have continued, but I do fear for a generation who are being taught that letting your teammates down makes you a hero.

She gave up her chance for her teammates. Her first vault was a disaster. It was scored 13.7. If she had continued and been scored like that, they would never have medaled at all. Biles stepped back and they fought their way to silver. Biles gave up her spot for the sake of the team as well as herself. She is a class act.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. I don’t think she should have continued, but I do fear for a generation who are being taught that letting your teammates down makes you a hero.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. She has the right to step away whenever she wants, but it doesn’t make her a hero. I do worry for our younger generations.

I worry less for them. They know and trust themselves to make good decisions. They don't base their decisions on what you think. I think that's great, even if it denies you the entertainment of seeing one of them break her neck.

Seriously. I think there is a subset of America who could hear that Biles was in danger of breaking her neck and still think she should have gone on, because she doesn't matter to them as a human being.

Then don't perform at a level that would cause you to break your neck? Surely she's capable of toning it a notch? Or is that impossible in gymnastics?

However you spin it, she is a quitter. And it's bad form to wait until the Olympics and then suddenly quit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s good sportsmanship to put on her track suit and support her team, which is what she did.
She could have bailed entirely and hid in the locker, or gone back to the hotel.
She did the right thing.

According to the rules, she shouldn't even be in the country.

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

Anonymous wrote:I just read supportive comments from Svetlana Khorkina, of all people. Nikita Nagornyy also sympathetic. Artur Dalaloyan much less so but given that he basically did the exact opposite of what she did and supporting her would be tacitly admitting he was crazy, it's not surprising.

I think a quote from famous mountaineer Ed Viesturs is apropos here. He was once asked if he thought Mallory and Irvine had achieved the summit of Everest before Hillary and Norgay. His response was, "It doesn't matter. They didn't make it back down."

Anonymous wrote:Good for Simone Biles for not putting herself in contention to become the next Elena Mukhina or Julissa Gomez.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haven’t read this whole thread so I think this is a somewhat different take - but I have ZERO problem with what Simone Biles did. I DO have a problem with the way it’s being covered, however. Pulling out of a dangerous competition at the last minute, potentially leaving teammates who are counting on you in the lurch is surely a very difficult, but very rational and understandable decision. It is certainly not villainous or selfish; neither is it brave or courageous. It is just an unfortunate and crappy situation that all the gymnasts handled to the best of their ability.

WHY do we have to resort to this childish, binary, black-or-white, good-or-bad, cowardly-or-brave narrative for EVERYTHING these days? It’s ridiculous.

She’s not selfish, she’s not bad, but she’s also no hero.

Of course it's a brave and courageous thing to do because: 1) mental health issues aren't accepted as medical issues in much of America and 2) people are mean and criticize anyone who shows a bit of weakness. The fact that people like you are complaining she "left her teammates in the lurch" is ridiculous--she didn't compete because she didn't feel healthy to do so.

Okay - I guess we just fundamentally disagree. I am old school and still believe that words have meaning. You are apparently from a younger generation for whom any decision anyone ever makes about anything ever is “brave” or “courageous” because they’re taking care of themselves or living their truth or some other such nonsense.

You also can’t seem to read, like most younger folks in America. At no point did I criticize Simone Biles for leaving her teammates in the lurch, but objectively that is exactly what she did. The fact that she had perfectly good and valid reasons for doing so doesn’t change that fact. They came through admirably and should be commended, and she made the best choice she had available to her at the time (withdrawing) which is certainly commendable in itself but NOT courageous. FFS, people.

So agree. This is the millennial generation, lionizing something that was nothing more than an unfortunate situation.

+1. She has the right to step away whenever she wants, but it doesn’t make her a hero. I do worry for our younger generations.

I worry less for them. They know and trust themselves to make good decisions. They don't base their decisions on what you think. I think that's great, even if it denies you the entertainment of seeing one of them break her neck.

Seriously. I think there is a subset of America who could hear that Biles was in danger of breaking her neck and still think she should have gone on, because she doesn't matter to them as a human being.

Then don't perform at a level that would cause you to break your neck? Surely she's capable of toning it a notch? Or is that impossible in gymnastics?

However you spin it, she is a quitter. And it's bad form to wait until the Olympics and then suddenly quit.

Np- she WAS toning it down. It’s not like she was going for the double pike. She got lost on what should have been an easy vault ( for her). She got lost in the air. It wasn’t a slip up. It wasn’t a bad day. She was done.