Simone Biles’ Battle with ‘The Twisties’: A Look into the Mind of the Most Decorated Gymnast in History

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, recently experienced a moment of overwhelm during the Tokyo Olympics women’s team event. She suffered from “the twisties,” which caused her to feel disconnected between her body and mind, affecting her performance.

In an interview with the Call Her Daddy podcast, Biles admitted her initial fear of backlash and concerns about being banned from America if she did not win gold. However, 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 in returning to the sport last year, Biles still struggles with “the twisties.” She described it as a feeling similar to the yips in golf or baseball. In gymnastics, it can be dangerous because it can cause an athlete to lose control during a move, leading to potentially harmful landings.

Biles hopes to overcome this challenge and continue her successful career, aiming to compete at the Paris Olympics later this year. She understands that taking care of her mental health is crucial for achieving success and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, Biles’ story serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes face their own challenges and setbacks. It is important for us all to prioritize our well-being and take care of ourselves both physically and mentally.