Sigh... at the end of the day, I'm sure she wishes she had broken her ankle and had to withdraw. Because it probably would have hurt less than what people are slinging at her now.
Because unfortunately, mental illness is no more controllable than fractured bones. Our response (to a certain degree) is controllable, or at least manageable. But the chemical cascades that are part of the cause/effect cycle (I don't think the docs fully understand any of this, to be honest) are very real, and can be overwhelming to even the strongest mind.
This young woman sounds extremely sheltered. Reportedly, her mom has always traveled with her everywhere. Of course, I instantly wonder, "COVID has been going on for over 18 months; how have they avoided being separated until now?" Also; did it occur to NO ONE in her entourage that practicing being on her own at a minor meet or two might have been beneficial?
It's not just them, I can assure you! I've seen this utter lack of ability to even *think* about more than one potential outcome. Honestly, I've been very isolated for several year, and I'm truly appalled at the obvious dumbing down of our youth. It's truly frightening, because I'm seeing this in the context of the medical field, and it's not confines solely to the secretarial staff.
As just one example, the bride of a good friend of ours is a sweetheart. And she's got a degree based RN, plus a couple years experience in a doctor's office as the sole RN. (Apparently, she could become a Nurse Practitioner with 2 more years of school?!). Anyway, when I was helping them treat a calf with severe pressure necrosis of the leg due to a 6 hour long calving ordeal, I discovered she didn't know "cc's" and "ml's" were equal. And she was afraid to give a cow a shot, "because it might hurt her"!
Like I said, I like her-shes a hard worker, and eager to learn. But she doesn't begin to comprehend just how much she doesn't know! (Thankfully, working in a pediatrician's office, she's not likely to endanger anyone) But the idea that she's a graduate, licensed RN is terrifying in the implications. I'd assess her knowledge level as somewhere around a dedicated LPN... one who cared and paid attention on the job, rather than just doing her job. But the idea of people at her skill level being hired to work critical care in a hospital is terrifying!
But, in the end, Miss Biles probably cost herself her self-endowed G.O.A.T award. Got very close to plain old goat status in the eyes of many, but I do think that's unfair. She still is one of the most powerful, talented athletes in her discipline, in history. She actually seems to be possibly one woman who could compete with the men on an even basis- but thankfully, we've never heard her whining about that! And while I have no idea about her habits, I'm absolutely certain you don't get that good or that strong without self discipline,, being nearly impervious to pain, and a schedule to which few here would EVER willingly subject themselves.
She reached for the highest of the stars but came up short. Her response in the next few months and years will shape my opinion of her. If she shakes it off, addresses it politely for a week or two, but then DROPS IT, good for her.
But if every time her career is brought up, she (or her proxies) start a "oh, so sad, so unfair! I was the best of all time, but they screwed me with their stupid COVID rules"... well, regardless that I agree with thev" stupid COVID rules part,, they we're the same rules for everyone!
But her young teammates got their chance in the spotlight, and they shone brightly, indeed. She *could* choose to highlight that... graciousness hasn't gone out of style completely yet!
I'll wait and see.
Summerthyme