In the wake of Biles’s decision to quit, some people have likened it to the idea of Tom Brady simply deciding not to compete in a Super Bowl. But cross-sport comparisons don’t hold up and could easily be turned the other way. Brady, who is known for his coolness under pressure, had already gone through college and spent several years as a backup in the NFL before achieving superstar status when he reached 24 — Biles’s current age. On the other hand, Biles was forced to endure the glare of the global spotlight as a teen. She won her first worldwide championship at 16. By 19, she had already cemented her legacy as arguably the greatest female gymnast ever. At that age, Brady was a freshman backup quarterback at the University of Michigan, who threw five passes over the course of a season — one of which was intercepted.

Taken on their own, Biles’ achievements through 2016 were historic. But only later did we learn that she had been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of the team doctor, Larry Nassar, throughout her teen years as she trained for competitions. It is difficult enough for survivors to try and block out their sexual abuse and go about their lives. She had to compete on the world stage while interacting regularly with her abuser. She subsequently related that her abuse left her deeply depressed, and even with suicidal thoughts. Somehow, she managed to gut through it and not only win but play the role that Americans expect of their female gymnasts — bubbly and smiling broadly.