Senator JD Vance of Ohio has recently come under fire for remarks he made three years ago regarding gymnast Simone Biles, comments that have resurfaced with renewed scrutiny now that Biles has captured another gold medal in the Olympics. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee alongside former President Donald Trump, questioned the media's praise of Biles for her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns, calling it a reflection of a therapeutic society that celebrates weakness instead of strength.
In a segment aired on Fox News in 2021, Vance described Biles’ departure from the competition as a moment of weakness rather than heroism. As he stated, "I think it reflects pretty poorly on our sort of therapeutic society that we try to praise people not for moments of strength." His remarks have created a stir, particularly now that Biles has further cemented her legacy by becoming the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history after leading her team to victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Biles won her second Olympic all-around title on August 1, 2024, solidifying her status as a gymnastics icon. In doing so, she increased her total medal count to eight Olympic medals, reflecting a comeback from her previous withdrawal, which stemmed from suffering a psychological condition known as the twisties — a disorienting experience where athletes lose their spatial awareness mid-air. Biles had likened this phenomenon to being unable to drive a car while at the wheel, which certainly posed significant risks for someone engaged in high-level gymnastics.
The national conversation surrounding Biles’ mental health struggle garnered both support and criticism. While many praised her for prioritizing her well-being over competition, others, including Vance, labeled her decision a failure. Vance's comments have reignited discussions about the cultural perceptions of mental health, especially in sports.
Democrat operatives have seized the opportunity to highlight Vance's statements amid Biles' recent triumphs. Aida Ross, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, pointedly remarked that Vance is "in no position to be talking about anyone’s else’s ‘weakest moments.’" As the U.S. women's gymnastics team is celebrated for their achievements, Vance faces scrutiny for his past remarks that cast Biles' decisions in a negative light.
Vance’s controversial history does not stop with his comments about Biles. He has faced backlash for derogatory statements about women and government officials, claiming that the country is run by "a bunch of childless cat ladies" who do not have a direct stake in society. These comments, made during a 2021 Fox News interview, targeted Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
During the same Fox News segment, Vance accused these figures of spreading misery due to their personal lifestyle choices, stating, "Look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC; the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children." His remarks were met with widespread criticism, including from members within his own party who deemed them misogynistic and out of touch.
Both Harris and Buttigieg challenged Vance's comments. Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, responded by calling Vance's comment "stupid and uninformed." Buttigieg, who has children of his own, argued that commitment to country isn't solely tied to having kids. He said, "My commitment to this country felt pretty physical" even before he became a parent.
These resurfacing controversies highlight Vance's precarious position as he runs alongside Trump in the upcoming 2024 elections. Vance's previous recognition as a Senate candidate has been overshadowed by his own disparaging remarks that can be perceived as misogynistic and insensitive. In a time when mental health awareness is increasingly prominent, his comments have not only earned him the ire of opponents but have also reflected poorly on his character and credibility.
The tension surrounding Vance's past continues to loom as the election campaign heats up, forcing voters and critics alike to reconsider their perceptions of political figures who engage in gendered attacks. Meanwhile, Biles continues to shine as an advocate for mental health, using her platform to bring awareness to issues that many athletes face, paving the way for future discussions about support for athletes who put their well-being first.
This entire episode demonstrates how swiftly past statements can affect current political narratives, unexpectedly intertwining the worlds of sports and politics. As Biles continues to excel, she serves not only as an athlete but as an inspiration for mental health advocacy. The public remains eager to see how Vance will navigate the challenges posed by his preservation of questionable views amidst a changing national dialogue.