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Simone Biles and United States coach Cecile Landi

“We hope Americа still loves us. “

When Simone Biles – four-time Olympic gold medallist, multiple world champion and arguably the greatest gymnast of all time – withdrew from the team and all-around events at the Tokyo Olympics, it was headline news across the US and the world.

The American, who is a sexual assault survivor, spoke about the importance of preserving her mental health and the need to “protect our minds and our bodies,” adding: “We are people, at the end of the day.”

Biles’ decision drew praise from many, but there were others who accused her of using mental health as an excuse for a below-standard performance.

For many athletes, past and present, Biles’ honesty could change the way mental health is dealt with in sport.

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Analysis

‘Mental & physical health are equally important’

“As the story unfolded yesterday, I was getting more and more frustrated. I’d see these headlines popping up saying how Biles was weak, she wasn’t mentally strong enough to deal with the pressure.

“On social media, people were accusing her of using it as an excuse to pull out of the vault because she wasn’t performing as well. I just think it’s absolute nonsense.

“She said she wasn’t in the right mental frame of mind to go and perform well enough and that she could have caused herself some damage. Every sports person knows that if you go in half-cocked, you’re going to cause yourself an injury: none more so than in gymnastics.

“She has laid down a foundation for so many athletes and people around the world to say: ‘In this moment in time, inside, something didn’t feel right’. She had the bravery and the courage to pull out of the event.

“We talk about mental health and physical health. They are both just as important as each other.

“To the people who are accusing her of not being a team player: in my mind, she could not have been more of a team player. She recognised that the moves that she was doing, she wouldn’t have been able to execute and get the scores needed for gold.

“Simone could have hid in the background. But she didn’t. She put her tracksuit back on, got out there and stood and clapped her team-mates.

“That, to me, is a champion.”

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‘This could make a massive shift in gymnastics’

“As athletes, particularly Simone Biles, the attention and validation comes from being a superhuman. I always call her the female Hercules and she definitely will feel all that pressure.

“This could make a massive shift in gymnastics in talking about mental health, for her to say I’m not at the mental capacity to do the biggest event as the biggest star.

“I am so proud of her. I wish her all the best and hope she’s OK and send her lots of love.”

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‘This is a huge step’

“What Simone Biles has done is huge. Stopping and saying ‘there’s something wrong, I need help’ is a huge step. And for her to do it on the world stage at the Olympic Games, that takes bravery and courage.

“To say ‘I’m putting my mental health first, that comes before the Olympic Games’ is a massive, positive message to all the young kids who are growing up now who will have aspirations and dreams of going to the Olympic Games.”

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‘No-one prepares you for being an Olympic champion’

Analysis

“I can relate to Simone. She feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She feels like she’s failed and she probably feels very confused and doesn’t know what’s up or down.

“After winning gold in Rio, it was so amazing. It was like all your wildest dreams coming true. Then, for me, I came crashing down. I didn’t know how to process.

“No-one teaches you how to process becoming an Olympic champion. I went into quite a deep depression. For me, what helped was therapy.

“As a man, I am saying that we do not talk enough about mental health. It is starting to happen, but it is so important. A lot of women are more open to talking about stuff. Men, we go ‘all right, lads, we’ll be fine.’

“My step-mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and that was really tough. I knew I had to be there for her and that was a big turning point for me.”

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‘I am in awe of Simone’

“Simone was and is amazing, but she continues to stand up and be even more amazing. What she did [in withdrawing from the team final] was incredible.

“The health of your athlete is the most important thing. Bottom line, it’s not about what medals they bring home, it’s about their physical and mental health.

“I’ve also suffered with my mental health, so I commend Simone Biles for what she’s done, putting her mental health first and standing up and being brave enough to do that. It really does take huge bravery for her to say what she’s saying right now. “

Entertainment Gists

Druppythekid Set to release New Two-Track Pack

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Nigerian emerging artist Druppythekid is set to release his new two-track pack, No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade), on November 13, 2026, delivering a message of ambition, self-belief, and defiance in the face of criticism.

Originally from Kwara State and based in Lagos, Druppythekid developed a love for rap, hip-hop, and pop music as a teenager. Introduced to poetry in high school, he found a natural connection between words and rap, eventually joining a rap group before exploring music production at university. After graduation, he began rapping over his own beats, turning his passion into a growing musical pursuit.

On “No Love,” Druppythekid speaks to the determination required to chase dreams despite doubt and opposition. “LA LA LA (Serenade)” takes a more unapologetic approach, dismissing the opinions of those who never believed in him.

Together, the two records reflect one central message: keep pursuing your vision and never let the opinions of others define your journey.

No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade) arrive on major digital streaming platforms on November 13, 2026.

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Entertainment Gists

Who Is Chinwe Zoe? The Nigerian Gospel Singer Behind “Undeniable

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Chinwe Zoe, a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, began recording music in December 2025 after years of singing in church and at home. Less than a year later, she has released three singles, including “Chinwendum”, featuring gospel singer Frank Edwards, “Undeniable” and “Jesus Don Win”, her October 2026 release produced by Masterkraft.

For Zoe, the decision to record was connected to a personal experience that changed how she viewed her life and faith. She has described it as a near-death experience that left her with a renewed sense of gratitude. “In that moment, when I thought it was over, God showed me mercy,” she said. “He gave me victory. And that victory was too loud to keep inside.”

Her debut, “Chinwendum”, was released in December 2025 with Frank Edwards featured on the record. She followed it with “Undeniable” on May 7, 2026. The song’s official video has recorded more than 460,000 views on YouTube. In October, she released “Jesus Don Win”, produced by Masterkraft, with a video directed by Avalon Okpe.

Zoe’s approach to songwriting draws on personal experiences and scripture. She has said that she does not begin the process by searching for a melody, but by waiting for a message that she can develop into a song. She describes a process in which an experience or scripture stays with her until it takes musical form. The melody follows, and she hums it before committing anything to writing.

Her guiding principle is that a gospel song should be accessible to listeners while remaining suitable for congregational worship. “It should be simple enough for a child to sing and strong enough for a choir to carry,” she said.

Zoe has identified CeCe Winans, Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan among the musicians whose work has influenced her. She sings in English and Igbo, and occasionally in Pidgin, drawing on the worship tradition in her musical expression.

“Every song I sing comes from a place I have lived,” she said. “My pain taught me how to worship, my joy taught me how to praise.”

Her music has also begun attracting an online audience. Her YouTube channel has recorded more than 627,000 views across nine videos, while her Spotify monthly listeners have been reported at approximately 6,500. Her Audiomack profile is verified. Zoe records under her own imprint, H2 Records, with distribution through ONErpm. She made her first public performance at the 2026 Annual Virtuous Women Network conference in Enugu, where she performed “Undeniable”.

Outside music, she has spoken about her interest in soul winning and described it as connected to her musical work. She has also said that she wants her songs to encourage listeners facing difficult circumstances. “I want my songs to shift mindsets from worry to worship,” she said. “Whenever anxiety comes, whenever life tries to make you feel small, I want you to hear my sound in your spirit and declare victory over your life.”

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Entertainment Gists

N8TAN Announces ‘UPRISING EP’ — A Story of Rising From the Streets to the Top

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Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.

Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.

More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.

With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.

‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.

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