It takes a lot to be the best at anything. And that's especially true for a gold-medal caliber Olympic athlete.
You have to give up so much of daily life that most of us take for granted. Everything comes second to training and preparing for competition. That includes time with friends and family - and yourself. You take on a devotion to discipline, physical and mental. To reach the top your focus must not waver, your commitment must be total.
But most would say it pays off in the end. When you stand on the platform to receive your medal, with your country's flag flying and anthem playing, watched by millions of adoring fans, all the sacrifice is worth it.
But what if it isn't?
Simone Biles is a champion. A true champion. She took five medals in the 2016 Olympic Games and was considered the favorite to repeat this year in Tokyo.
But she also realized what it was doing to her mental health. So she made the courageous decision this week to withdraw from all-around gymnastics competition to focus on her well-being.
She may compete in individual events next week. That's still to be decided. Whatever she decides, we support her.
We hope you do, too.
We saw a similar situation in the spring when tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open, after refusing to participate in press conferences, putting her mental health over the possibility of another title. She was praised by many, but criticized in some circles.
We have seen similar rumblings on social media about Biles' decision.
The critics were wrong then and they are wrong now.
Americans take sports seriously. We are taught from an early age to excel, to win, at any athletic competition. Too often, we teach our children that winning is all that matters.
But athletic achievement is just one part of life, it's not all there is. Glory on the field or in the stadium is worthy of sacrifice, but it should take priority over your health - and that includes mental health.
It's inspiring to see our sports heroes win. But it's more important when they inspire us to understand what's really important.