Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The bravery is the scrutiny, the fact that you feel like you're letting your country down on some level. Exiting the Olympics, even though you are the best gymnast probably ever, Jordan, if he made it a mental health thing, was like, you know, I'm walking away. It's bravery required from that because the whole fucking league, David Stern, whoever's going to be like, yo, this is costing us a lot of money." — [Speaker Unknown]
"As an athlete, you have a responsible responsibility, I can't speak. As an athlete, you're responsible for your mental as well. What separates the greats is their ability to control their mental state. That's what makes them great." — [Speaker Unknown]
"Western society is going to gravitate towards understanding these mental conditions in a way we understand physical ones, and we're gonna have way more grace, right? Are they gonna do that in fucking China? No, right? They're gonna be absolute savages. But what do you mean you're sad? What is sad? We don't do sad." — [Speaker Unknown]
The podcast delves into the complex decision of Simone Biles withdrawing from Olympic gymnastics events due to mental health concerns. The speakers engage in a thorough debate, exploring the definitions of bravery and selfishness in this context. One perspective argues that Biles' decision, while difficult and under immense public scrutiny, is a brave act of prioritizing her well-being. Conversely, another viewpoint suggests that true greatness in sports requires persevering through pressure, and that succumbing to mental strain, especially for an athlete of her caliber, could be seen as a failure to meet expectations.
The conversation extends to the evolving societal perspective on mental health, contrasting it with the historical athletic ethos of enduring hardship. Speakers discuss how the constant barrage of media and social media attention amplifies pressure on modern athletes, creating a 24/7 scrutiny that was not present in previous generations. This leads to a consideration of whether a more understanding society, while beneficial for individual well-being, might inadvertently reduce the emergence of extreme talent and competitive drive that thrives under intense pressure.
The discussion also touches upon the potential for self-imposed pressure, particularly in relation to athletes who embrace titles like "the GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time). The speakers ponder whether such self-proclamations, combined with public expectations and potential systemic scoring issues, contribute to the mental strain experienced by elite athletes. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to consider the multifaceted nature of athletic performance, where mental fortitude is as critical as physical skill, and acknowledges the societal shift towards greater empathy for mental health challenges.