Should athletes risk injury for our entertainment?

Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from at least part of the Olympics has drawn obvious comparisons to Keri Strugg, who pushed herself beyond injury to help the US win a gold medal in gymnastics, and was celebrated for years.

Some criticize Biles for not putting her health on the line in the same way. Is this fair? Why do we sometimes pretend we want athletes to be role models for children, and other times ask them to do grotesque things to themselves for our pleasure? Why does extra willingness to harm one’s self equal greater glory?