Simone Biles expressed concern for figure skater Ilia Malinin following his performance in the men’s singles final at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, shared her perspective on the pressures faced by athletes and the potential impact on their mental health.
Support After Olympic Performance
Biles, present at the event in Milan, stated she immediately connected with Malinin after he did not place in the top three. She communicated her support to him via messages and shared her contact information.
Meeting and Validation
Following the competition, Biles met with Malinin in Milan. She explained her intention was to acknowledge and validate his feelings, emphasizing that experiencing setbacks under intense pressure is a common and manageable aspect of being an athlete.
Mental Health Concerns
Biles indicated she was worried about Malinin’s mental well-being, particularly given the expectation for a flawless performance. She noted her personal experience with similar pressures and adopted a protective stance in her interactions with him.
