Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 | 2 a.m.
View more of the Sun's opinion section
Naomi Osaka opened the door and Simone Biles catapulted through it.
These courageous women did something I wish I would have known how to do when I was their age: They said no.
They summoned the courage to walk way from their passions, life pursuits, adoration and money to take care of the one thing they can’t replace: themselves.
As a Black woman and a mental health advocate, to say I am proud of them is an understatement. I am elated that they are showing the world that their gifts extend beyond a tennis court or high beam. Their strength of character, self-preservation and self-awareness is the gift that will keep on giving.
On their journeys to greatness, Osaka and Biles have been through a lot; and I am sure we don’t know the half of it. They should take all the time they need and deserve. Sure, we will miss the way they changed the game, upped the expectations with their physical feats that seemed superhuman, but with these latest moves, they have showcased their humanity and helped shatter the stigma that surrounds mental health.
The contribution they are making to themselves and the reality that mental health matters is enormous. Because of their bravery, society is beginning to embrace the concept that it is OK not to be OK. That is the message of champions.
