Simone Biles Faced the Twisties Years Before Tokyo
Simone Biles stunned the world in 2021 when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics team finals. She cited mental health struggles and a dangerous condition called the “twisties.” But as her former coach Aimee Boorman revealed, this wasn’t her first experience with the twisties.
According to Boorman’s new book The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles, the gymnast first encountered the twisties in 2015 — just months before the Rio Olympics. “Simone couldn’t twist — on basically anything,” Boorman wrote. The condition left Biles disoriented mid-air, forcing her to physically stop herself during routines. She would freeze rather than risk a dangerous fall.
Mental Strength and Support Helped Her Push Through
Biles worked through this mental block with therapy and strong family support. She eventually regained her twisting skills just in time for the 2016 Olympic Trials. “Thankfully the twisties had passed without injury,” Boorman shared. The victory showed the world that elite athletes could rest and return stronger without losing form.
Her comeback in 2016 was nothing short of heroic. Biles went on to win four gold medals in Rio, cementing her status as a global icon.
Tokyo 2020: When the Twisties Returned on the World Stage
Fast forward to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. During a warmup, Biles’ current coach Laurent Landi noticed something was off. “I look at her face, and she pretends, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine,’” he recalled in Simone Biles Rising on Netflix. But inside, she was struggling.
The twisties had returned — unexpectedly and with force. Biles was shaken. “To me it felt silent, almost like death,” she later admitted. She knew she couldn’t safely continue. Her decision to withdraw sent shockwaves across the sports world, but it also sparked critical conversations about mental health.
A Bold Step Back and an Even Bolder Return
After Tokyo, Biles took a two-year break from global competition. She focused on healing — mentally and physically. She later shared how scary the twisties were. “Having these mental blocks in the gym recently has not been fun,” she said. “It’s been scary.”
But true to her spirit, she didn’t stay down for long. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles made an epic return. She won four medals — including three gold — proving once again why she’s the most decorated gymnast in history.
Rewriting the Rules on Bravery in Sports
Simone Biles didn’t just win medals — she changed the game. Her openness about her mental health set a new standard. She showed young athletes that strength isn’t just about sticking the landing. Sometimes, it’s about stepping back and choosing health over glory.
Her story is not just about gymnastics. It’s about courage, resilience, and knowing when to say “I need help.” And in doing so, Biles inspired millions around the world.
