After Simone Biles, is Shaun White Also Suffering From ‘Twisties’?

Published 12/14/2021, 7:55 AM EST

The curious case of ‘twisties’ is making headlines yet again with snowboarder Shaun White as its most recent victim. When Simone Biles withdrew from team gymnastics competitions at Tokyo Olympics 2020, the world first heard about this unfortunate phenomenon.

With the Winter Olympics 2022 not far now, Shaun aims to qualify for the event. However, the three-time Olympic gold medalist is looking anxious in the snow, and twisties might be the reason behind it. Notably, ‘twisties‘ is an experience where an athlete in the air loses its balance and control during a leap, risking improper landing.

Article continues below this ad

Shaun White speaks about ‘twisties’

The famous half-pipe rider is now 35-years-old but is still going strong with his outrageous leaps and stunts. Displaying new tricks is customary for White. Yet, even years of experience cannot let him escape from twisties. Notably, he talks about his experience with the not so rare phenomenon.

“I’ve been lost in the air before, and it’s terrifying,. You’re flying around and you don’t know where you are and you’re hoping for the best. The sky color matches the color of the snow. We never really had a name for that. I was intrigued when I heard they call it the ‘twisties’ in gymnastics,” said White.

Even though common amongst athletes, it was only after Biles‘ withdrawal in Tokyo that the world learned more about twisties. Given the similarities between snowboarding and gymnastics, White experienced the same while practicing for the halfpipe event.

Moreover, he is no stranger to injuries as well. Even though he is the greatest snowboarder in the world, the GOAT has suffered one too many injuries over the years.

“#1 in My Heart”: Simone Biles Cheers On Boyfriend Jonathan Owens During NFL Game

Article continues below this ad

Devastating injuries

Injuries are common to snowboarders, given the extreme nature of the sports. Back in 2018, he suffered a serious injury in New Zealand just before the Olympic Games. He had to be choppered off the half-pipe after suffering gruesome injuries to his face. Even though he won the gold medal in Pyeongchang, he had to mend his face with 62 stitches.

While the degree of difficulty would be higher to win the Winter Olympics half-pipe event, White looks determined to make his mark and win his fourth Olympic gold medal. With a week in hand to prepare for qualification, only time will tell what the future holds for White.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY- How Much Serena Williams Earned Through Tennis

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the center the respect he deserves.

After Simone Biles, is Shaun White Also Suffering From ‘Twisties’?

Shaun White speaks about ‘twisties’

Trending

Despite Congratulating Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill Admits ‘Running Away’ to Escape Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Win

Adopted Simone Biles Opens on Unusual Family Situation: “My Biological Mom Is Also My Dad’s Daughter”

Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson’s Track World “No Longer a Platform for Great Personalities” Claims US Legend

Adopted Simone Biles Freaked out Gymnastics Team After Announcing Family’s Complicated Scenario: “Those Are My Grandparents”

“[Joe] Burrow Should Concentrate on Being Healthy”: NFL Analyst Warns Bengals QB Against Trash-Talking Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs

Devastating injuries