Simone Biles & Laurie Hernandez on Medals, Mental Health and Self-Trust

The 'We Can Do Hard Things' podcast episode featuring Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez centers on their experiences as elite gymnasts, their struggles with mental health, and the importance of self-trust. The hosts begin by discussing Simone Biles' groundbreaking decision to prioritize her mental and physical health over competition at the Tokyo Olympics, a move that challenged global expectations and set a new precedent for athletes. Laurie Hernandez shares her journey of taking a two-year break from gymnastics to heal from an emotionally and verbally abusive coaching environment, leading to her advocacy for mental health.

Throughout the conversation, Simone and Laurie reflect on the pressures of being on a global stage, the personal cost of their athletic success, and the challenges they faced in environments that often prioritized performance over well-being. They also touch upon their personal lives, including Simone's relationship with her boyfriend, which represents a sanctuary from the public eye, and Laurie's aspirations beyond gymnastics, such as pursuing college and an interest in acting and screenwriting.

The episode delves into the toxic culture within gymnastics that often silences athletes and the need for adults within the system to protect young athletes rather than perpetuate harm. Simone and Laurie discuss the importance of speaking up and creating transparent, safe environments for gymnasts. They also explore the concept of quitting not as a negative act, but as a positive choice for personal happiness, a theme that resonates with the hosts' own experiences.