The Trivialization of Success: How Top Performers Face Unhealthy Academic Pressures

Academic success is often glorified, but what happens to those who consistently excel? The story of Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, offers us an insight into the pressure faced by top performers. In this article, we will explore the downsides of being a topper, drawing parallels to the academic journey of another individual who, despite not being a topper, faced significant challenges due to the pressures of excellence.

Simone Biles: A Sports Champion's Struggle

The picture above features Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who holds the prestigious position as the world's top gymnast, with 11 Olympic medals, three of them gold. Her achievements are remarkable, but her experiences during and outside of competitions are far from picture-perfect. Despite her numerous victories, she faced intense scrutiny and criticism on social media platforms. Titles like "XYZ defeats Simone Biles" and "Simone Biles fails" were common, highlighting the relentless pressure faced by top athletes.

Simone Biles faced a more significant challenge during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from several events due to mental health issues. Her priority was not only her performance but her well-being. Mental health is just as crucial in sports as physical fitness, and the demands of being a top athlete can be overwhelming. This decision sparked more criticism, with terms like "weak" and "quitter" being hurled at her.

The Pressure of Being a Tposer: My Academic Journey

Simone Biles' struggles resonate with many top performers in other fields. In my case, it was academics. While I wasn't a topper, I was consistently among the best performers in my class. However, the pressure to maintain top ranks affected my life in more negative ways than positive ways. Unlike other students who studied solely for good scores, I genuinely enjoyed learning. Unfortunately, this enjoyment was overshadowed by the constant bullying and social isolation I faced.

Bullying and social exclusion stem from the perceived pressure to maintain academic excellence. In my school, it was considered uncool to have intellectual pursuits, making it hard to find friends with similar interests. Additionally, my efforts to excel in mathematics were hindered by ineffective teaching methods and a lack of conceptual understanding. Despite this, I received harsh criticism and was labeled a "major disappointment."

The Impact of Pressure on Mental Health

The pressure to perform consistently at high levels can have a significant negative impact on mental health. Simone Biles and my own experiences demonstrate that the pressure to be a perpetual gold medal winner can deteriorate one's mental well-being. Top performers are often seen as machines that should deliver top results every time, without regard for their personal struggles or human limitations.

The stigma attached to admitting one's struggles can further exacerbate these issues. In my case, the constant expectation to perform well during exams and the inability to rest without being inundated with study requests had a profound and negative impact on my mental health. My friends would expect instant answers, disregarding the time and effort required to prepare properly.

Healthy Approaches to Academic Success

The narrative of academic success should go beyond grade competition. As Simone Biles and my own journey show, the intense pressure to be top performers can lead to burnout, mental health issues, and social isolation. It is essential to recognize and support the well-being of top performers, not just their achievements.

Many educational systems, such as in Norway, prioritize a balanced approach to education. They do not emphasize public recognition of top grades and avoid creating undue pressure on students. This mindset is crucial for ensuring that top performers can thrive both academically and personally.

In conclusion, while academic and sporting success are commendable, society must recognize the downsides of constant pressure to be top performers. The well-being of top performers should be a priority, ensuring that they can balance their achievements with overall mental health and social well-being.

Keywords: top performer, academic pressure, topper, Simone Biles, mental health