Drew Barrymore is “in awe” of Simone Biles.
The 46-year-old actress has offered her support to Simone after the gymnast pulled out of two finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, citing poor mental health amid pressure to perform well following the four gold medals she picked up for team USA at the last Olympics in Rio in 2016.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Drew said she relates to the 24-year-old sports star’s struggle after she also battled poor mental health after starting her career from a young age.
She wrote: “Simone Biles. I am in awe of you. Without any assumption to know you, I believe you continue to set a bar for life that is unparalleled. So many people don’t know what to do and how to take care of themselves.
“I have spent so much of my life running. Started at 11 months old working and I have been running ever since. I am happy. Just another human on my journey. But I fight like a lion for that happiness by kicking my own butt all over town trying to achieve self improvement.
“I hate the term self care. There is no fight in it and it is too passive for me. But I now have a face. You! Simone Biles. A beautiful embodiment of what it’s looks like to say no and stop running some times. It is in the form of an insanely disciplined and impossibly talented human. I will see you and your face the next time I am unsure of how to stop running. (sic)”
The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ star went on to praise Simone for “changing lives” with her honesty, as Drew believes people will now look up to the gymnast for her ability to admit when she needs help.
She added: “You have changed lives with this. You gave up so much and I am convinced your rewards will be far greater. The return on the investment of ourselves is priceless, And yet you sacrificed so much to be this bold.
“You will take on a much more everlasting role, if you want it, on how all of us are supposed to live. You have become an even greater hero in this moment if that is possible?!
“And again, thank you. I will be envisioning you as I move forward in my own life. I believe I am among a sea of grateful people, that get to keep loving and admiring you. Now for even bigger reasons than the seemingly insurmountable ones before. Lead. Please. But also please ask of people what you need too. And then we can all take care of each other. (sic)”
