Black women athletes are taking a stand: Mental health is health
Image: giphy.com
History has consistently demonstrated that Black women are trailblazers, disrupters to the status quo, and oftentimes the catalyst for much-needed change. In the past few weeks we have witnessed yet another example of this with Black women athletes pushing back against sporting institutions that are archaic in their methods and in need of re-evaluation. They have sent a clear message - mental health is health.
First, Naomi Osaka’s bold decision to pull out of the French Open last month in order to prioritize her mental health, and now Simone Biles’ powerful words are echoing across the sporting world: “I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard...I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being.”
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At 23 and 24 years old respectively, these young powerhouses are taking a stand against money-making machines like the Olympics and grand slam tournaments, affirming that their minds and bodies are more important than these institutions’ television ratings and media frenzies. And what a critical statement it is! While being the demonstrated GOATs in their respective sports was never a prerequisite for the validity of their right to stand up for themselves, it definitely adds weight to their actions.
These young women’s fearless acts of self care should serve as an important reminder to Black women everywhere who have also grown accustomed to having the weight of the world on our shoulders. Their brave public affirmations of prioritization of self over money, pressure, and everyone else’s expectations is the call-to-action we all need to unapologetically and consistently put ourselves first!
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Chris Filcidor
Chris is a proud East African, 30-something who currently lives in the United States, but whose heart will always be in her motherland Africa. Just like everyone else, she is clumsily trying to find her place in this crazy world with the hope of having some fun and learning as much as she can along the way.
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