For Former Olympian Who Helps Struggling Families In Colorado, Simone Biles' Decision Was ‘A Shining Gift'

By Tori Mason, CBS Denver:

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – Simone Biles’ unexpected exit from USA gymnastics team finals Tuesday turned the world’s attention to the topic of mental health. Her decision to step away resonated with current and former Olympians, one who went on to help struggling families in Colorado.

When Carrie Bates was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. The California native would wake up in the early morning hours for practice and read the goals she’d written on her wall.

Bates’ hard work eventually paid off. The swimmer won gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle, 4×100 meter freestyle relay and the 4×100 meter medley relay at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, not far from home.

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