Gymnast Simone Biles grinning

Understanding Simone Biles’ ADHD Diagnosis: A Closer Look

Simone Biles may be most famous for dominating the gymnastics world, but she has also used her position as America’s sweetheart to speak out against injustices, including bias against athletes with atypical mental health. 

When hackers broke into the World Anti-Doping Agency database (WADA) and attempted to undermine Biles’ athletic achievements using her medical history, she fought back against the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports (via Olympic Channel). According to ESPN, the data breach revealed her longtime use of Ritalin, a stimulant drug commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

WADA does include stimulants on its list of prohibited substances. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ritalin for treating ADHD in children and adults (per MedicalNewsToday). Athletes can be granted exceptions for approved drugs that are considered performance-enabling, rather than performance-enhancing, according to ESPN.

As the most decorated gymnast in history, Biles holds a unique position when it comes to representing fairness in sports. With 19 medals documented by the Academy of Achievement, the world champion gymnast takes her responsibility to play fair seriously.

Simone Biles is not ashamed

Simone Biles performing mid-air splits

“I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid,” Biles explained via Twitter. “Please know, I believe in clean sport, I have always followed the rules, and will continue to do so as fair play is critical to sport and is very important to me (via NBC Washington).”

The Academy of Achievement says Biles started taking Ritalin after receiving an ADHD diagnosis at a young age. The Academy explains that the same energy and enthusiasm that made her a star gymnast posed challenges in the academic arena. The prescription medication helped her focus, bolstered by organizational support from her mother, Nellie Biles.

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Additionally, USA Gymnastics knew about Biles’ use of Ritalin before the data breach. It confirmed that Biles had been granted an exemption due to her medical condition (per ESPN).

Dr. Ronald Kamm, a member of USA Gymnastics’ national health care referral network, remarks on athletes taking therapeutic medication, “It’s not personal. It’s the condition,” Dr. Kamm told ESPN. “Prescribing medication for an ADHD child is no different from prescribing insulin for a diabetic.”

In a further response to critics, Biles followed up her initial statement. “Having ADHD and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know,” she continued to say via Twitter.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).