Simone Biles took the risk of being labeled “Quitter” and “banned from America” when she pulled out of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Her reason, she stated, was to prioritize her well-being, acknowledging that there is more to life than just gymnastics. This moment not only highlighted the physical safety of athletes but also sparked an important conversation about mental health.

The “Twisties” experience that Biles went through was not a new phenomenon, as many gymnasts, including Gage Dyer, Leanne Wong, and others, have faced similar challenges. Now, three years later, Biles is preparing for her fourth Olympics. Ahead of her 2024 season debut, Simone Biles has revealed how she felt things slipping out of control even before the Twisties nightmare at the Tokyo Olympics.

Simone Biles’ gut feeling before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, “Twisties”

On the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Simone Biles shed light on her mental health leading up to the pinnacle stage. With the Olympics occurring during a global pandemic and lockdown, she emphasized that “nothing about the Olympic Games was normal.” Even before the Olympics, she felt something was off, describing it as if “the wires weren’t connected. Like the red was off, the yellow off.”

Recognizing this as a sign from her body, she tried to self-soothe, reminding herself, “So we’re gonna control what we can control. Let’s take your medicine; maybe try 20 milligrams; maybe try this.” However, despite her efforts, the fear of the “Twisties” still overpowered her. As we reflect on this moment, let’s explore how Simone Biles has managed her mental health on her road to healing and her journey toward the Paris Olympics.

How did she heal from these mental battles?

In July 2023, before her comeback to gymnastics after nearly two years off the mat, Simone Biles addressed how she was managing the mental health aspect of her sport in an Instagram Q&A with fans. She shared “Lot’s of therapy, I go once a week for almost 2 hrs,” she shared. “I’ve had so much trauma, so being able to work on some of the traumas & work on healing is a blessing.”

She also highlighted the significant role played by Laurent Landi in her journey, explaining that even when she would only come to the gym to use the trampoline, “He would make me twist and go back to the basics.” Overcoming her fear of twisting was not an easy journey, but with time, Simone Biles relearned her basics and successfully returned to competition. As we anticipate her return to competition in the Olympic year 2024, what are your thoughts about Biles’ revelation? Share your comments below!

The post “Take Your Medicine”: Simone Biles Felt Things Going Out of Control Before Tokyo Olympics Twisties Nightmare appeared first on EssentiallySports.



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