Simone Biles charmed the world at the 2016 Rio Olympics as she won four gold medals in gymnastics. Now, she’s talking about something personal. She has ADHD (also known as ADD) and takes medication for it.
Biles opened up about ADHD after hackers published her confidential medical records. They also released records of other athletes like tennis player Serena Williams.
Biles didn’t break any Olympic rules by taking ADHD medication. That was confirmed in a statement by USA Gymnastics. Travis T. Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also weighed in. He said Biles “has done everything right in adhering to the global rules for obtaining permission to use a needed medication.”
Composed as ever, Biles seems to be taking it all in stride. She’s also using this opportunity to tell people she’s not ashamed of her ADHD.
Her words are important because they can help reduce stigma around ADHD. They may also make her a role model for kids with ADHD and learning differences. By speaking out, she’s showing the power of staying motivated and finding strengths.
Biles isn’t the only Olympian with learning and thinking differences. Read more about shot putter Michelle Carter, who has ADHD and dyslexia. And check out what swimmer Michael Phelps has said about ADHD and success.
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