Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has shed light on the immense pressure and emotional toll she faced during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In a candid interview on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Biles delved into the internal battles she fought while experiencing a terrifying phenomenon known as “the twisties” during her vault performance.
A Champion Tested: The Onset of the Twisties
Biles revealed that she had already been experiencing the twisties in training leading up to the Olympics. This condition, where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness while performing aerial maneuvers, can be incredibly dangerous and significantly impact performance.
Despite battling this internal struggle, Biles displayed immense strength by pushing forward to compete alongside her teammates. She acknowledged the pressure to compete despite her limitations, stating, “I would tell my teammates, ‘I’m fighting demons right now but I’m going to do it for you guys.'”
However, the twisties ultimately took hold during her vault, leaving Biles feeling completely disoriented and unable to control her body in mid-air. She described the experience as a terrifying disconnect: “I didn’t know how many twists I was going to make… your body and your brain have no idea where you are.”
The Weight of Expectation: Fear and Self-Doubt
The realization of the twisties sent Biles spiraling into a pit of self-doubt and overwhelming anxiety. She confessed to wishing she could simply abandon the competition and return home. More importantly, Biles revealed the crippling fear of public disapproval, stating, “The world is going to hate me and I can only see what they’re saying on Twitter right now.”
This fear stemmed from a deeply ingrained belief that anything less than a gold medal performance would be considered a failure. Host Alex Cooper aptly highlighted this pressure by pointing out the narrative of Biles “letting the country down.”
Biles’ response, “I thought I was going to be banned from America. Because that’s what they tell you, ‘Don’t come back if it’s not gold,'” exposes the immense pressure elite athletes face, particularly within a culture that often equates athletic success with national pride.
A Champion’s Choice: Prioritizing Mental Health
Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health and withdraw from the competition sparked a global conversation about the importance of athlete well-being. By taking a stand, she challenged the notion that athletes are simply machines expected to perform flawlessly under immense pressure.
Following the Tokyo Olympics, Biles took a well-deserved two-year break from competition, demonstrating the importance of self-care and prioritizing mental fitness alongside physical prowess. Her inspiring return in 2023, where she clinched gold at the Gymnastics Championships, solidified her status as a champion both on and off the competition floor.
A Legacy Beyond Gold Medals: Mental Health Advocacy
Simone Biles’ vulnerability in sharing her struggles with the twisties has become a powerful message for athletes and fans alike. It highlights the need for open conversations about mental health within the competitive sports landscape.
Her journey paves the way for a future where athletes feel empowered to prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment or public backlash. Biles’ courage in prioritizing her mental health has undoubtedly inspired countless individuals to prioritize their own mental well-being.
The question of Biles’ participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics remains unanswered. However, one thing is certain: Simone Biles has already cemented her legacy as an athlete who transcended gold medals. By prioritizing her mental health and using her platform to advocate for change, she has become a champion for mental well-being within the world of competitive sports.
