In 2021, gymnast Simone Biles made headlines when she withdrew from several Olympic events to prioritize her mental health. This decision sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental well-being in sports and the pressures athletes face. Biles' actions challenged traditional notions of strength and success, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in competitive environments. This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about mental health in athletics.

Simone Biles' withdrawal for mental health in 2021 advanced conversations in poetry about athlete vulnerability and self-care. Poets began to explore the pressures faced by athletes, as seen in the works of Amanda Gorman, who emphasize the importance of mental well-being.