When someone dies, there are often unspoken rules that people should follow, the most important of which is to stay quiet out of respect. This break gives people time to grieve, no matter what they did in the past or what they said in public. But gymnast Simone Biles has recently questioned that tradition, which has led to a lot of discussion.
Just a few days after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk died, Biles wrote a personal blog post about how public criticism, especially from Kirk, affected her during a key time in her career. People were surprised by the timing of her statement and talked about whether it was a brave act of truth-telling or poorly timed commentary.
Biles talked again about how hard it was for her to be attacked in public during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She dropped out of a few events at that time because of a dangerous condition called the “twisties.” She put her mental health ahead of competition. Kirk was one of those who said her choice was unpatriotic and weak.
Biles’s blog shows how those comments still hurt her, showing how much pain they caused. By speaking out now, she started a conversation not only about what happened to her, but also about how society treats people who are weak, especially famous athletes.
People have had different reactions to her blog. Some people see it as a strong moment for her to take back her story and speak out for mental health. Some people question the timing, saying that criticizing someone after they die could seem rude, no matter what they did wrong in the past.
Biles’s statement adds a new chapter to her story. She is not only a successful athlete, but she is also a public figure who isn’t afraid to speak the truth. Her decision to speak up shows a bigger change in culture, where silence is no longer the only way to deal with pain, even when someone dies.
