Simone Biles struggled with “the twisties” during the Tokyo Olympics women’s team event, causing her to feel overwhelmed and prioritize her mental health. She withdrew from the competition, fearing backlash and being banned from America if she did not win gold.
In an interview with the Call Her Daddy podcast, Biles discussed her initial concerns about backlash and the potential consequences of not winning gold. She later came back to win bronze in the balance beam but took a break from gymnastics to focus on her well-being.
Despite her success, Biles experienced “the twisties,” which caused a disconnect between her body and mind and affected her performance. In gymnastics, it can be dangerous because it can cause an athlete to lose control during a move, leading to potentially harmful landings.
Biles discussed her struggles with “the twisties,” describing it as a feeling similar to the yips in golf or baseball. Despite these challenges, she became the most decorated gymnast in history with 33 overall medals in the Olympics and world championships. Returning to the sport last year, she continued her successful career and aims to compete at the Paris Olympics later this year.