Women’s’ gymnastics team final is on now and there is some weird shit going on right now.
Besides Simone’s withdrawal, what was some of the other weird stuff?
As an Olympic random, I’m not sure if most Americans would know this, but Svetlana Khorkina (who was always a pain in the ass) has been an entire bitch the last year.
I honestly don’t know if I will ever get over what athletes are being asked to do for these olympics.
Or how they “owe” us an explanation on why they pulled themselves from a comp. so what if she was upset she landed poorly. It’s a human reaction. Maybe she knew she would pull them team down due to her mental state. Maybe she is truly hurt. She owes us nothing more than a health concern as an answer.
I watch through the NBC Sports app. Might be on NBCSN on cable then.
Thanks. Not like I had a chance to watch it. Getting the kids ready and camp drop off took up the whole morning. I'm already spoiled just from one glance at facebook from a news outlet.
It seems like there is no ability to avoid spoilers this Olympics. Like they're not even trying anymore. I'm not sure I've watched one event live that actually mattered. I can't keep track of when anything is on and when important stuff is on I'm too busy.
Does anybody else feel this way?
I just wish they would put events on tv live. And also not repeat events that they did put on live, later in prime time. I watched almost the entire triathalon yesterday, then they had it in prime time. Already saw it on tv! Same with some of the swimming events. I don't care about spoilers because I can't generally watch sports that have already happened, which is why I want them aired on live tv.
mrshandy Peacock lists highlights right at the top so before I can even choose an event to watch in full, I see “Watch so and so win the gold!” “So and so gets a world record in the 1500m!”
Well, the phone notifications about Biles and gymnastics were a surprise this morning. I hope a bit more comes out, because while I want to respect her medical privacy, the stories are painting it that she did a bad vault and just said “I’m done”. And while I really want to say we need to respect the mental health of althletes, like the tennis player a few weeks ago, when they say enough is enough, it’s just… I don’t know. And I’m pissed at myself for the way I’m thinking about it.
edit: I see some talk of an old injury. I don’t know what it’s bugging me so much that the GOAT would say peace out in the middle of a team event. But yeah, it does.
I hate that the media is painting it this way, and that it’s even a thought in people’s minds (not you specifically). I watched the USA feed of the competition where the full focus was on the US/Russia rotation and showed all of what went on on the sidelines. Simone spent a long time collecting herself, having deep conversations with her coaches and the team trainer/doctor. They ultimately left the floor before the next rotation started, and then she came back out with her ankle taped up and she cheered on her team (and Russia too!) from the sidelines as a great support role. She did not storm off and say I’m done or anything in a bratty or selfish way. You could tell from the warmups she wasn’t in the right state of mind. Whether it was something physical throwing off her steps, or a mental block, we don’t know yet. But she clearly did what was best for herself both mentally and physically. I don’t know if many people realize this but gymnastics needs a tons of mental work to be able to perform these massive skills, not just physical. Her going out there when her brain wasn’t processing the skills correctly could have led to a severe injury.
I love when countries win their first medals, or first golds like Bermuda just did and the Philippines did earlier today (after a century of trying!). I’m all about Team USA but I love seeing other countries experience joy like this.
I have a hierarchy.
1. Minnesotans who win 2. Unexpected people win (like that Austrian cyclist or the Tunisian swimmer) 2.5 Countries winning their first medal 3. USA
purplepenguin7 , thank you for that. And that’s what I meant by hoping more information came out. I’m sure my thoughts are more tempered than many others.
But, mysteriouswife , when people are depending on you for anything in life, do they get an explanation when you don’t do it? Friends, family, work, life. Do they owe us, no. But it’s human nature to want to know what happened. Human nature to be concerned. Caring about each other is natural.
edit: people should only reveal what they want to reveal, and it’s about the person, not the (generic) you. Trust me, I totally get that (as someone who has had major medical issues and the constant questions from everyone). But, it is human nature to be concerned. So yeah, I think that somone should give a little information when they drop out of a team anything. Hell, I’m still concerned about what happened with Emily Lee at the qualifiers. I hope she is OK.
edit again: I know I keep editing to clarify. LOL I have many thoughts on this issue in general. Is anyone *owed* and explanation, no. But, if everyone gets really upset because they were let down, and no explanation is provided, that is understandable. And yes, I’m now talking in a very generic sense, not specifically Biles. If you are let down with no explanation, you have a right to be upset. Just as the person has the right not to explain. But life works a bit better when we can meet in the middle, slight explanation for some tempering feelings.
Haven’t seen it yet, but from reading here especially that she was talking to medical before withdrawing, makes me think it’s an injury. She still has the all around to compete for, I’m guessing she’s had an aggravating injury and risked it becoming serious enough to not be able to continue competing later on. I think I read somewhere the ROC was well ahead of the US in points. So I guess the calculation is, risk severe injury and lose the gold anyway in the team competition and also jeopardize any medal in the all around. Or withdraw in the hopes of recuperating enough to still be in medal contention for the all around.
For Simone Biles I’m sure this was an excruciating decision, but she knows her body best and if she herself was ok with this, then I think that’s what’s best overall.
purplepenguin7 , thank you for that. And that’s what I meant by hoping more information came out. I’m sure my thoughts are more tempered than many others.
But, mysteriouswife , when people are depending on you for anything in life, do they get an explanation when you don’t do it? Friends, family, work, life. Do they owe us, no. But it’s human nature to want to know what happened. Human nature to be concerned. Caring about each other is natural.
edit: people should only reveal what they want to reveal, and it’s about the person, not the (generic) you. Trust me, I totally get that (as someone who has had major medical issues and the constant questions from everyone). But, it is human nature to be concerned. So yeah, I think that somone should give a little information when they drop out of a team anything. Hell, I’m still concerned about what happened with Emily Lee at the qualifiers. I hope she is OK.
The other half of this here though is, if she knew she wasn’t right is it better to force herself through it and possibly cost her teammates a medal at ALL? Or step back and let her teammates step up to do the best they could?
Whether mental or physical she is a competitor and I believe the only reason she would pull is if she felt like she was going to cost her teammates MORE by staying in versus pulling.
purplepenguin7 , thank you for that. And that’s what I meant by hoping more information came out. I’m sure my thoughts are more tempered than many others.
But, mysteriouswife , when people are depending on you for anything in life, do they get an explanation when you don’t do it? Friends, family, work, life. Do they owe us, no. But it’s human nature to want to know what happened. Human nature to be concerned. Caring about each other is natural.
edit: people should only reveal what they want to reveal, and it’s about the person, not the (generic) you. Trust me, I totally get that (as someone who has had major medical issues and the constant questions from everyone). But, it is human nature to be concerned. So yeah, I think that somone should give a little information when they drop out of a team anything. Hell, I’m still concerned about what happened with Emily Lee at the qualifiers. I hope she is OK.
The other half of this here though is, if she knew she wasn’t right is it better to force herself through it and possibly cost her teammates a medal at ALL? Or step back and let her teammates step up to do the best they could?
Whether mental or physical she is a competitor and I believe the only reason she would pull is if she felt like she was going to cost her teammates MORE by staying in versus pulling.
I agree with this. She did what was best for herself AND the team.
The other half of this here though is, if she knew she wasn’t right is it better to force herself through it and possibly cost her teammates a medal at ALL? Or step back and let her teammates step up to do the best they could?
Whether mental or physical she is a competitor and I believe the only reason she would pull is if she felt like she was going to cost her teammates MORE by staying in versus pulling.
I agree with this. She did what was best for herself AND the team.
I also think it's a little unfair to act like she owes all of the US an explanation. I'm sure her teammates and coaches know what is going on with her and they're the ones who are counting on her. Asking them to be accountable to the curiosity and concern of every person watching from their own countries and around the world is a HUGE burden.
USA gymnast Simone Biles said she withdrew from today's team finals over mental health concerns.
Biles broke down in tears as she addressed the media following the women’s team gymnastics final where Team USA won silver.
“Whenever you get in a high stress situation you kind of freak out," she said. “I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and wellbeing." “We have to protect our body and our mind," Biles added. “It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head."
Biles said those competing are "not just athletes, we’re people at the end of the day."
The team is planning to have a “mental rest day” tomorrow, Biles added.
Post by somersault72 on Jul 27, 2021 9:39:25 GMT -5
I love that "bombing" for the US Women's gymnastics team is a silver medal. I know they've worked so hard and there's so much talent and Simone is the GOAT, but a silver in the freaking Olympics is still awesome. I am worried about Simone, but I am glad she was able to withdraw before getting injured further (being physically, mentally, a combination of the 2....). A lot of people wouldn't have. She KNOWS she's the greatest and doesn't have to risk her body/mind. I shudder to think what other athletes have done in the name of competition.
I know this is a reality of being in the spotlight, but it certainly doesn't help that there are 100000 media outlets saying every error is a huge failure. The headlines after qualifiers were ridiculous.
Then, the way the cameras follow her every move... even when she is NOT doing a routine.
I know she is used to the pressure, but... it isn't right.
All of those headlines have created this beyond error image in the mind of the public...who mostly don't follow gymnastics outside of Olympic season. So, when she does a very human thing... we get comments like we are getting.
I watch through the NBC Sports app. Might be on NBCSN on cable then.
Thanks. Not like I had a chance to watch it. Too busy this morning. I'm already spoiled just from one glance at facebook from a news outlet.
It seems like there is no ability to avoid spoilers this Olympics. Like they're not even trying anymore. I'm not sure I've watched one event live that actually mattered. I can't keep track of when anything is on and when important stuff is on I'm too busy.
Does anybody else feel this way?
This is common when the time difference is so vast (it'll be nearly the same in February in Beijing). As an East Coaster, it was actually good for me because I hadn't gotten to work yet by the time it was over, but I know it must have sucked for West Coasters to wake up and see the alerts on their phone if it's set up to send them alerts. I've accepted long ago that I can't prevent spoilers from happening because we are so connected to the internet in so many ways now (wayyyyyy back in the day I always just had to avoid the front page of Yahoo! to be surprised lol). It's why I said in the OP I'm not dealing with policing spoilers here because it's going to be too difficult. I still enjoy watching during primetime even while knowing the outcomes.
Women’s’ gymnastics team final is on now and there is some weird shit going on right now.
Besides Simone’s withdrawal, what was some of the other weird stuff?
As an Olympic random, I’m not sure if most Americans would know this, but Svetlana Khorkina (who was always a pain in the ass) has been an entire bitch the last year.
I posted that before I actually watched - it was based on weird text updates from my friend about Simone possibly leaving the building and stuff. Now, not so weird obviously.
OMG I was listening to the Blind Landing podcast and was like "Wow, I wonder what Svetlana Khorkina is up to these days now that they mentioned her" and then I saw her comments about the USA gymnastics scandal and I was like fuuuuuuuuck her.
Thanks. Not like I had a chance to watch it. Getting the kids ready and camp drop off took up the whole morning. I'm already spoiled just from one glance at facebook from a news outlet.
It seems like there is no ability to avoid spoilers this Olympics. Like they're not even trying anymore. I'm not sure I've watched one event live that actually mattered. I can't keep track of when anything is on and when important stuff is on I'm too busy.
Does anybody else feel this way?
I just wish they would put events on tv live. And also not repeat events that they did put on live, later in prime time. I watched almost the entire triathalon yesterday, then they had it in prime time. Already saw it on tv! Same with some of the swimming events. I don't care about spoilers because I can't generally watch sports that have already happened, which is why I want them aired on live tv.
This was on live. Primetime coverage is still huge for NBC though.
I love when countries win their first medals, or first golds like Bermuda just did and the Philippines did earlier today (after a century of trying!). I’m all about Team USA but I love seeing other countries experience joy like this.
I have a hierarchy.
1. Minnesotans who win 2. Unexpected people win (like that Austrian cyclist or the Tunisian swimmer) 2.5 Countries winning their first medal 3. USA
2 & 2.5 are basically tied.
I'm not even Alaskan but I'd include small or unusual states winning events (like if a skiier from Hawaii won gold lol), because that reaction from Alaska was everything.
Besides Simone’s withdrawal, what was some of the other weird stuff?
As an Olympic random, I’m not sure if most Americans would know this, but Svetlana Khorkina (who was always a pain in the ass) has been an entire bitch the last year.
I posted that before I actually watched - it was based on weird text updates from my friend about Simone possibly leaving the building and stuff. Now, not so weird obviously.
OMG I was listening to the Blind Landing podcast and was like "Wow, I wonder what Svetlana Khorkina is up to these days now that they mentioned her" and then I saw her comments about the USA gymnastics scandal and I was like fuuuuuuuuck her.
There’s that, and #metoo, and Covid as God’s wrath for making Russia be the artist formerly known as Russia (works cited: you) due to doping…
Velar Fricative, not on actual tv though?? I couldn't find it anywhere. The stupid Today show was on and women's soccer on USA channel. They make it difficult to watch if I have to hunt for it.
Post by Velar Fricative on Jul 27, 2021 10:04:12 GMT -5
I feel awful for Simone. I cannot imagine how much more pressure she feels knowing she has the weight of Team USA gymnastics on her shoulders - her previous interview with Hoda Kotb was very powerful and I think we can see just how much this has impacted her. Team USA better do fucking right by her and the others that when their mental health is just as important as their physical health. And I think this is another moment where she feels that weight, by saying she struggled to remain in the competition and the team is getting a mental rest day - that might not have happened without the GOAT saying this is critical for the team. It's like when Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open for mental health reasons, people finally took notice that the mental health of athletes is important. So I can't help but think about that added pressure of knowing that you have the power to bring change.
Velar Fricative , not on actual tv though?? I couldn't find it anywhere. The stupid Today show was on and women's soccer on USA channel. They make it difficult to watch if I have to hunt for it.
Oh, it might have been on NBC Sports Network but not 100% sure. It was streaming though.
Simone posted on IG after quals about feeling as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.
I'm glad she's taking care of herself.
I saw a really great headline from NBC on FB and now I can't find it again. It shifted focus to the 3 others in a very positive way.
Was coming in here to post this as well. She said she may seem like she's letting it slide right off her shoulders, but it's a lot. And that, is obviously, terrible for her.
She's an amazing athlete. GOAT. But what it does for her mental health is just not worth it, so I am so glad she took that stand for herself. And if there is a physical reason adding to it, then so be it. But health and wellbeing encompasses everything.
I saw a clip of the US team talking to Hoda and Simone was like "I hope the US still likes us" and I... gosh, I broken down.
The Lydia Jacoby Alaska watch party reaction made my night. They were so thrilled for her it was awesome. She's also a bluegrass musician, which is so cool!
Simone posted on IG after quals about feeling as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.
I'm glad she's taking care of herself.
I saw a really great headline from NBC on FB and now I can't find it again. It shifted focus to the 3 others in a very positive way.
Was coming in here to post this as well. She said she may seem like she's letting it slide right off her shoulders, but it's a lot. And that, is obviously, terrible for her.
She's an amazing athlete. GOAT. But what it does for her mental health is just not worth it, so I am so glad she took that stand for herself. And if there is a physical reason adding to it, then so be it. But health and wellbeing encompasses everything.
I saw a clip of the US team talking to Hoda and Simone was like "I hope the US still likes us" and I... gosh, I broken down.
Oh man, I haven't seen Hoda's interview. It sounds heartbreaking.
Health is health.
I wish we stopped separating it into physical/mental because the line between them is getting blurrier every day.
I don't know shit about gymnastics/don't pay any attention to it except once every 4 years, and this whole story is just making me so sad. I hope she gets the break she needs.
Also saw this earlier and
And least anyone think I’m a demanding, heartless person… I saw this interview and thought the same thing. This was heartbreaking, that she is still doing it because of Nasser. That alone is the weight of the world.