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As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, Simone Biles has once again proven her reigning status as the GOAT of gymnastics. With the women's gymnastics team final now complete, her triumphant return to the Games has showcased both her remarkable athletic prowess and inspiring mental resilience, resulting in Team USA's gold medal victory in the team event.
Biles' decision to withdraw from several events in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, after getting the dreaded “twisties” while performing, sent shockwaves through the sports world. At the time the criticism was harsh, with many calling her a quitter.
But Biles’ return to the floor this year, where she has yet again created history, has silenced those critics. As Biles said herself, "I feel like I learned the most about myself during Tokyo. How courageous, how brave I am." Her courage in prioritizing well-being over medals sparked a global conversation about the pressures faced by elite athletes.
The road back to competition was far from smooth. Biles took nearly a year and a half away from the gym to focus on her mental health, working with therapists, learning new tools from sports psychologists and processing past traumas.
In the Netflix documentary “Simone Biles Rising,” which chronicles her comeback, Biles talks about how she now uses visualization to help her regain that calm, centered place where she performs her best. While experts suggest various techniques like breathing exercises, taking breaks and routine changes, another powerful tool is emerging on the scene: neurofeedback training.
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Think of neurofeedback as HIIT for your brain. Just as High-Intensity Interval Training gives your body quick results, neurofeedback helps you train your mind to access optimal brain states.
alphabeats takes a unique approach by combining neurofeedback with popular music. Here's how it works: when the music starts to sound a little "off," it signals that your mind has moved out of a calm, focused state. This subtle cue prompts you to consciously shift back, training your mind to more easily access alpha waves - the ones associated with that calm, centered place where you perform your best.
The impact of this technology is already being felt in gymnastics. In a 2014 study, nearly 70% of gymnasts using alphabeats reported positive effects, with over 80% noting its particular value for athletes.
Fast forward to Paris 2024, and Biles once again demonstrated her extraordinary mental strength. Less than 48 hours after overcoming calf pain in qualifying, Biles competed – and excelled – in all four events during the team final, starting the night with a soaring Cheng vault and ending it with her signature floor routine, set in part to the music of Taylor Swift.
Biles' resilience in Paris is a powerful statement about the importance of mental health in achieving peak performance. She's shown that true strength isn't about pushing through at all costs, but about recognizing when to step back, seek help, and come back stronger.
The lessons from Biles' journey resonate with alphabeats' mission to create a world where everyone can train their mind without limits. As athletes continue to push the boundaries of physical performance, tools like neurofeedback training become increasingly crucial in helping them master their mental game.
Simone Biles' legacy extends far beyond her incredible athletic achievements. She's fundamentally changed the conversation around mental health in sports, paving the way for future generations of athletes to prioritize their well-being both on and off the competition floor.
As we continue to watch Biles compete in Paris, we're witnessing more than just gymnastics; we're seeing the power of mental resilience in action. Her journey reminds us that with the right support and tools, including innovative approaches like neurofeedback training, athletes can overcome challenges and reach new heights of performance.