Canadian gymnastics star Ellie Black has recently spoken out about the focus on Simone Biles' race at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressing her frustration and concern about the impact it has on Biles' reputation and the broader conversation around race in sports.

In a recent interview, Black expressed her anger at the way Biles' race has been highlighted in the media and public discourse surrounding her performance at the Olympics.

Black emphasized that Biles' race should not be the primary focus, and that it is unfair to reduce her achievements to a matter of race rather than recognizing her incredible talent and hard work as an athlete.

Black pointed out that the undue emphasis on Biles' race not only diminishes her individual accomplishments, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases about athletes of color.

Black stressed the importance of celebrating Biles' achievements without overshadowing them with discussions about her race, and called for a more nuanced and respectful approach to covering her athletic performances.

Furthermore, Black highlighted the impact of this focus on Biles' mental health and well-being, noting that the added pressure and scrutiny she faces as a result of her race being constantly brought into the spotlight can have detrimental effects on her as an athlete and as a person.

Black urged the media and the public to consider the implications of their rhetoric and to be mindful of the potential harm it can cause to Biles and other athletes in similar positions.

In addition to addressing the specific case of Biles, Black also emphasized the broader significance of this issue within the context of sports and society at large.

She underscored the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to discussing and celebrating athletes of all backgrounds, and called for a shift away from reductive and sensationalized narratives that center on race rather than on the athletes' skills, achievements, and experiences.

Black's comments resonate with ongoing conversations about race, representation, and equity in sports, and serve as a reminder of the importance of considering these factors in how we engage with and support athletes at all levels.

Her advocacy for a more thoughtful and respectful approach to covering athletes like Biles reflects a broader call for change in how we understand and celebrate athletic excellence, and highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in how we discuss and engage with athletes from diverse backgrounds.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue to unfold, Black's words serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibility we all share in shaping the narratives around athletes, particularly those who face heightened scrutiny and expectations due to their race.

By amplifying Black's message and taking it to heart, we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for athletes like Biles, where their accomplishments can be recognized and celebrated on their own merits, free from the burden of unfair and harmful stereotypes based on their race.