Self-care isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategy for longevity and success. Simone Biles’ keynote at HIMSS25 reminds us why mental health and resilience are critical in both athletics and healthcare.
The HIMSS25 Global Health Conference and Exhibition, a landmark event that brings together the brightest minds in healthcare and technology, concluded with an unforgettable keynote. But this wasn’t a discussion about data analytics, AI-driven efficiencies, or cybersecurity threats. Instead, it was about something even more vital—human resilience.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, took the stage in a deeply personal and insightful conversation that challenged the traditional notions of strength, endurance, and success. The world knows her as an unparalleled athlete, but at HIMSS25, she emerged as something more: a voice for self-care advocacy, the importance of longevity in high-performance careers, and the need for a supportive environment that allows individuals to thrive. In an industry where burnout is rampant and self-care often takes a backseat, her message was not just timely—it was essential.
Redefining strength: More than medals and titles
For many, Biles represents athletic perfection, an icon of physical prowess and mental grit. But rather than focusing on victory laps or championship routines, she offered a deeply humanized account of her journey—one shaped not just by triumphs but by the courage to prioritize self-care over external expectations. “I think at the heart of it, my coaches have always kept it fun for me, and that’s why I’ve been able to do it for so long,” Biles reflected. This simple yet powerful statement underscores the role of mentorship and leadership in sustaining motivation, a theme that resonates well beyond the world of gymnastics.
Her emphasis on joy and self-care was a stark contrast to the pressure-cooker environments that define both elite sports and the healthcare industry. She pointed out that, while physical conditioning is an obvious priority in her field, the neglect of self-care can be just as—if not more—damaging. This perspective is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, who, like top athletes, navigate high-stress situations that demand peak performance. Whether in an operating room, a research lab, or an executive boardroom, the ability to sustain excellence without sacrificing well-being is an ongoing challenge.
Biles’ insights serve as a powerful reminder: success without self-preservation is unsustainable.
A bond forged in resilience: Biles and her coach’s shared journey
One of the most touching moments of the keynote came when Valorie Kondos Field, the legendary UCLA gymnastics coach, recalled an interaction with a young Simone Biles that she would remember for the rest of her life. Kondos Field, who led UCLA’s gymnastics teams to seven national championships and is a member of the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame, has trained and mentored some of the best athletes in the world. However, what set Biles apart was not just her extraordinary talent but her extraordinary heart. While recruiting Biles as a teenager, Kondos Field had just begun chemotherapy for breast cancer. When she informed Biles that she wasn’t sure how she would feel during their upcoming meeting, Biles didn’t hesitate. Sitting at lunch with her sister and Kondos Field, she reached out, touched the coach’s arm, and asked, “Miss Val, how are you feeling?”
At that moment, Kondos Field, a woman who had spent her career coaching champions, found herself moved to tears. Here was a teenage girl, the most coveted recruit in the history of gymnastics, and yet her first concern was not about scholarships, training facilities, or Olympic aspirations—it was about someone else’s well-being. “In that moment, I knew I was going to champion Simone Biles for the rest of my life,” Kondos Field shared, visibly emotional on stage. It was a testament to the kind of athlete and person Biles has always been—someone whose greatness extends far beyond her physical abilities.
The Tokyo Olympics: A defining moment for self-care awareness
While Biles has long been a symbol of excellence, it was her decision to withdraw from key events during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that cemented her legacy as an advocate for self-care. Before Tokyo, Biles was in the best physical shape of her life, but the toll of years of pressure had begun to manifest in an unexpected way. “I was so focused on my physical health that I neglected my self-care,” she admitted. She described a sensation that stunned the audience—a phenomenon known in gymnastics as “the twisties,” where an athlete’s mind and body lose synchronization in midair, leading to a complete loss of spatial awareness. For someone executing high-risk routines, this wasn’t just unnerving—it was dangerous.
Biles knew something was off even before she arrived in Tokyo. “On the plane ride over there, I had this weird feeling. I just knew it wasn’t going to go the way I wanted, but I didn’t know why.”
Despite being a seasoned competitor, she found herself grappling with overwhelming doubts. “I was so focused on being there for my team that I ignored the signs,” she shared. The pressure of being the only returning Olympian on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team weighed heavily on her. She felt responsible not only for her own performance but also for ensuring her teammates thrived on the sport’s biggest stage. Her decision to step back—prioritizing her well-being over gold medals—shocked the world. But in doing so, she sparked an unprecedented conversation about the importance of self-care in high-pressure environments.
Longevity in a sport designed for the young
The world of gymnastics is not built for longevity. Most gymnasts peak in their teens and retire in their early twenties. Yet, Biles defied the norms. Competing in three Olympic Games, she performed at an elite level well past the expected retirement age for her sport. Kondos Field, who has worked with generations of gymnasts, marveled at this feat. “Most gymnasts retire at 22 or 23. Simone has been at the top of her game for over a decade,” she said, acknowledging the sheer rarity of such sustained excellence. Biles explained that her ability to continue competing came from a combination of structured self-care, expert coaching, and an unwavering support system. She highlighted that while the body plays a critical role, the mind’s ability to remain engaged, motivated, and cared for is just as vital.
“People say I’m old for gymnastics, but I feel like I’m just getting started,” Biles said with a smile.
The Greatest of All Time—Not Just in gymnastics, but in leadership
It is not an exaggeration to say that Biles is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in gymnastics. Her record-breaking medal count, dominance over the sport, and unparalleled skill set have placed her in a league of her own. But what truly cements her as the GOAT is her willingness to redefine what greatness means. True champions are not just measured by their victories, but by the impact they leave behind. As healthcare professionals and executives return home from HIMSS25, the greatest takeaway is not just about technological advancements, but about prioritizing the human element.
Biles didn’t just close the conference. She delivered a wake-up call. The strongest among us are not those who never falter, but those who have the wisdom to step back, seek support, and return stronger. That, more than any medal, is the true mark of a champion.
