Simone Biles, the iconic gymnast, is nearing her third consecutive Olympics, an accomplishment reflecting her remarkable resilience over the past three years.
In the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles aimed to defend her individual all-around title from the 2016 Rio Games. However, she encountered unexpected challenges as the competition began. Biles developed a case of the twisties, a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness mid-air, which significantly impacts their performance and poses serious risks of injury. Recognizing the severity of her situation, Biles chose to withdraw from the team final and individual all-around competitions to prioritize her mental health. Despite these setbacks, she made a notable return, earning a bronze medal in the balance beam event and a silver in the team competition.
Now, Biles is set to compete in the U.S. Gymnastics Trials, aiming to secure her spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her journey back to the top includes understanding and overcoming the twisties, a challenge unique to gymnastics.
The twisties represent a significant issue in gymnastics where athletes suddenly lose their sense of body position in mid-air. Laurie Hernandez, Biles’ teammate from the 2016 Olympics, explained that the twisties can occur suddenly as a gymnast attempts a complex skill. This disorientation can disrupt the athlete’s rhythm and lead to mistakes, which, in gymnastics, can be dangerous. Hernandez described the experience as a “stutter step” in the brain that disrupts the entire skill.
Biles first experienced the twisties in 2019. She shared with Olympics.com that she struggled with twisting and flipping at the start of that year. By the time she reached Tokyo, she realized her vaults were not up to her usual standards, feeling discomfort and a lack of spatial awareness. This issue became apparent during the competition when she cut her performance short, completing only 1.5 rotations instead of the intended 2.5. This incident led her to step back from further events until she competed in the balance beam final.
The causes of the twisties are often linked to stress and psychological factors. Biles mentioned that the immense pressure she felt contributed to her condition. Speaking to TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, she described the overwhelming sensation as “the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Biles emphasized the importance of focusing on mental wellbeing, which became her priority during the Tokyo Games.
Aly Raisman, another 2016 Olympic teammate, suggested that Biles’ unparalleled skill level might also play a role. Biles performs exceptionally difficult routines that require advanced twisting, increasing the likelihood of disorientation. Raisman noted that even the most skilled gymnasts can sometimes get “lost in the air.”
Despite these challenges, Biles has made a significant recovery. She returned to competition during the Tokyo Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the balance beam event. Since then, she has continued to excel, recently winning her ninth national championship. Biles has reassured fans and the gymnastics community that she is back to full form, stating, “I’m fine. I’m twisting again. No worries. All is good.”
As Biles prepares for the U.S. Gymnastics Trials in Minneapolis, her goal is clear: to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She can secure her place through the trials, with the remaining spots on Team USA being filled by the Olympic committee. Biles’ journey is a testament to her strength and determination, showcasing her ability to overcome significant obstacles and remain at the pinnacle of her sport. Her return not only highlights her physical prowess but also underscores the importance of mental health in athletic performance. Biles continues to inspire and set new standards in gymnastics as she aims for further success on the world stage.
