Simone Biles' Struggle with the Twisties: Fear of Being Hated at the Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles opened up about her feelings after pulling out of the gymnastics team event at the Tokyo Olympics. She shared in an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast that she was worried that "the world is going to hate me." Biles discussed experiencing "the twisties" during the Games, a condition that can cause a gymnast to lose awareness of their body's position and movement in the air.

Simone Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, was substituted by Jordan Chiles in the team event. Biles later shared that she had to focus on her mental well-being.

Biles expressed, "If I could have just hopped on a plane and gone home, I would have." She added, "The moment I landed (on the vault), I felt like 'America is against me, the world will be against me,' and all I could think about was what people were saying about me on Twitter."

I initially thought I might get banned from America because of the pressure to succeed. The common belief is "Go for gold or don't come back."

Biles is set to compete at the Paris Olympics later this year.

Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images

After taking an extended break from gymnastics following the Tokyo Games, Biles made a comeback last year. She made history by surpassing Vitaly Scherbo's record of 33 overall medals in the Olympics and world championships, becoming the most decorated gymnast ever.

Biles had a remarkable performance during the world championships last year, winning four gold medals in various competitions and a silver medal in another.

She will have the opportunity to increase her collection of medals at the upcoming Olympics in Paris, starting on July 26th.

Biles explained on Call Her Daddy how the twisties feel, likening it to the yips in golf or baseball. In gymnastics, it can be even more dangerous if it causes a risky landing.

"It's like your mind and body are not in sync," Biles described.

Your body may try to do something, but your mind will resist and tell you to open up and do something else. After doing the same thing for a long time, you may feel like you have lost control.

CNN’s Issy Ronald helped with the reporting.

Editor's P/S:

raw vulnerability in sharing her struggles with the "twisties" and the intense pressure she faced highlights the importance of mental health in elite sports. Her decision to prioritize her well-being over competition sends a powerful message that athletes are not just performers but also human beings who deserve support and understanding.

Biles' experience also sheds light on the toxic culture of perfectionism that can pervade sports and society. The expectation that athletes must always succeed and never show weakness can be detrimental to their mental and physical health. It is crucial to foster a more supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking help and prioritizing their well-being without fear of judgment or punishment.