Mélanie de Jesus Dos Santos is, or was, depending on how you look at it, one of the most outstanding gymnasts in France and Europe, and one of those with the greatest global potential. However, after a traumatic episode at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she failed to make it through the qualifying round, she has not set foot in a gym since. At 25, the four-time European champion and 2023 world team bronze medalist has spoken publicly for the first time about her new life, the uncertainty surrounding her, and the other side of the sport for those who dream of succeeding at the Olympics.

In gymnastics, the most notable example is Simone Biles: from withdrawing in Tokyo due to mental health issues to dazzling in Paris. In the same sport, Mélanie de Jesus Dos Santos, almost a year after Paris 2024—the Olympics in her home country—can now say, “I’m fine. I’ve turned the page. I took some time off in Martinique, participated in a tour in the United States with Simone Biles, and traveled to Australia. Life is beautiful,” she said in an interview with L’Équipe published on Wednesday.

The experience in Paris left a deep mark on Mélanie, who admits that preparing for the Games was complicated. “The team was devastated. Mentally, we were exhausted. I needed to get away from gymnastics, to distance myself. I felt robotic, as if I had been programmed to be the best gymnast, but I didn’t know myself.” Her words invite reflection on training methods. They also raise questions about how frustration and disappointment can become the greatest enemies for someone who thinks only about an Olympic medal from the moment they wake up until they go to bed… What pressure, and what a misguided approach to mental health.

“I want to rediscover who I am”

After the Games, Mélanie decided to disconnect from the world of gymnastics and focus on her well-being. “I’ve always loved this sport, but my passion had become a job. Now I want to rediscover who I am, with the values that were instilled in me during my upbringing.” She hasn’t trained in a gym since Paris, although she continues to practice sports to stay active and take care of her mental health.

Mélanie does not rule out returning to competition, but she says she will only do so if she can be true to herself. “If I come back, I want to do it with my true personality, not the one they built for me. I want to regain the pleasure and confidence I lost.” However, she also acknowledges that her relationship with gymnastics has changed: “I don’t see myself as a high-level gymnast at the moment. I’m enjoying life, doing what I want, when I want.”

“I want to be useful”

Currently, Mélanie is focused on personal projects, such as promoting gymnastics in Martinique and working with young gymnasts. “I want to be useful, organize events, and share moments with clubs and new generations.” Although she has received offers to join the university circuit in the United States, she has turned them down because she wants to avoid the pressure of team competitions.

How must Mélanie still be, with all the talent she has and her love of gymnastics, that she is unable to accept a job related to competitive gymnastics? She is only 25 years old and her brain is still recovering from the strain she suffered last summer.

Just as Biles has inspired millions of people inside and outside the gym with her decision to take care of her mental health, Mélanie de Jesus Dos Santos is doing the same—without being as high-profile—and her decisions will be a reference point for future generations. This is also true for those who work with young people who dream of winning an Olympic medal, to try to balance that desire with passion and enjoyment, removing the pressure from the equation that makes pursuing an Olympic dream so dangerous.

Good luck, Mélanie.