Three years have gone since Simone Biles shocked the world with an uncomfortable vault landing at the 2020–21 Tokyo Olympics. The 27-year-old gymnast publicized the word ‘twisties’, shedding light on a mental block experienced by gymnasts. However, for the broader audience, it remains an unfamiliar concept. Hence, Biles established herself as an outspoken advocate for prioritizing mental health, particularly among elite athletes.

With less than 100 days until the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Simone Biles is speaking candidly about her Tokyo experience and her struggle with the twisties like never before.

Simone Biles details the painful ordeal

Simone Biles appeared in a 90-minute interview on the popular American podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper, on April 17. Biles withdrew from the first rotation of the team final, which continued in the individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor finals, though she did compete in the beam final and won bronze.

In the podcast, Biles expressed her anguish, saying, “I left so many times that it was frustrating for both me and Laurent because he didn’t fully understand the twisties. And for a lot of the time, as gymnasts, we know what happens, but it’s very unspoken of, and whenever it happens, you pretend it doesn’t happen.“

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The Tokyo team silver medalist delved deeper into her gymnastics experience, noting that her problems did not end in Tokyo but resurfaced during training. Biles described the daily internal conflicts she endured, such as taking one stride forward and then being dragged back five steps by her demons. She expressed her frustration, saying, “Because as soon as I got lost one time, get lost, pack my bags, I’m outta there. Why am I putting myself through this? Hell no.“

Simone Biles was not seriously injured during the twisties, but the horrific experience led her to exit enabling Suni Lee to win the gold. Despite the loss of spatial awareness, Biles focused on her immediate thoughts: “I thought America hated me.”

After a long hiatus, the four-time Olympic gold medalist returned to the mats last year and surpassed several historic records, including winning her eighth individual title in the national championship and a sixth Worlds all-around title, setting sights on adding more to her collection on the road to Paris.

Three Summer Games mileposts for the gymnast

Simone Biles returned to competition last August and quickly asserted her dominance in the sport. Kicking off this season, she is scheduled to take part next month at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 17 and 18. Biles will compete alongside Tokyo Olympics teammates Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, which can also include 2012 Olympics star Gabby Douglas.

The other two major milestones are the U.S. Championships from May 30th to June 2nd in Fort Worth, Texas. Finally, the announcement of the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team on June 30th in Minneapolis, Minnesota, These events are significant milestones in Simone Biles’ quest for redemption, reaffirming her status as one of the best gymnasts of all time.