Simone Biles inspires discussion on athletes and importance of mental health Biles' decision put a spotlight on the pressures that young athletes face, how they cope, and the importance of mental health Author: Raime Cohen Updated: 7:11 PM EDT July 29, 2021 WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Earlier this week, Team USA gymnast Simone Biles made international headlines by stepping away from an Olympic competition. She said she was having mental health issues to work on that were keeping her from performing her best, and that sparked discussion about the pressures young athletes face and how they cope. Being a student athlete is not an easy job; it’s both physically and mentally taxing. 16-year-old Neveah Bohannon says it’s a daily grind.