Ruderman Family Foundation Lauds Simone Biles for Courage and Transparency on Mental Health

July 27, 2021

Gymnast makes “essential and high-profile contribution toward the goal of ending the disturbing stigma associated with mental health issues,” said Foundation President Jay Ruderman.

BOSTON, MA, July 27, 2021 — The Ruderman Family Foundation, which works to end the stigma associated with mental health, today applauded decorated American gymnast Simone Biles for her forthright comments on the issue of mental health following her withdrawal from the women’s team final at the Tokyo Olympics.

Biles said on Tuesday, “I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and my wellbeing.”

“The courage displayed by Simone Biles makes an essential and high-profile contribution toward the goal of ending the disturbing stigma associated with mental health issues,” said Ruderman Family Foundation President Jay Ruderman. “Due to the chilling effect of that stigma, especially in the sports world, we often only learn about mental health’s role in such a decision through rumors or media reports. But today, Simone’s transparency enabled mental health to take its rightful place in the public discourse.”

Ruderman added, “Particularly due to the isolation and other unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, America has been experiencing a mental health crisis of historic proportions. Far more public attention is needed surrounding the issue, and Simone Biles has cast a crucial spotlight on the issue. Now, we must work to ensure that the spotlight does not fade.”

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