While Simone Biles delivered stunning performances in Paris, her mental battles were far from over. The 27-year-old gymnast, with all eyes on her once again, had to navigate immense pressure on the world stage. For someone who had previously experienced such a public and painful struggle in Tokyo, managing anxiety and mental health was just as crucial to her success as her physical abilities.

In preparation for the Paris Games, Biles took an approach that worked best for her, which included choosing to eat separately from other athletes in the Olympic Village. Rather than dining in the public area, she retreated to her room to eat in private, a decision that raised some eyebrows.

Biles later shared on TikTok that the decision stemmed from overwhelming anxiety. Every time she sat down to eat, she was swarmed by people asking for photos, a situation that triggered intense shaking and feelings of panic. Instead of pushing through the discomfort, she decided to take care of herself by avoiding the cafeteria altogether and getting food from a grocery store.

This revelation sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some fans were deeply sympathetic to Biles’ situation, praising her for prioritizing her mental health. One supporter commented, “Anxiety is terrible. I suffer from it really bad. I’m so glad hers is under control enough that she got to stay focused and participate in the Olympics.”

However, not everyone saw it that way.