Simone Biles, the iconic American gymnast, is set to return to the Olympic stage at Paris 2024. This comeback comes after a 732-day absence from the sport following her struggles with "the twisties" at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
The twisties, a perplexing phenomenon often experienced by elite gymnasts under intense pressure, involves losing control in mid-air, making it impossible to land safely. The condition, akin to the yips in golf or baseball, leaves athletes feeling completely disoriented and unable to perform their usual routines.
Biles, who described the feeling as being "lost in the air," has likened it to the disconnection between mind and body one feels when driving a car but having no control over the vehicle. âYour body is going to try to do something, and your mind is going to be like, âNo, youâre not doing thisâ, I am my car," she explained.
Biles first experienced the twisties during vault practice at the 2021 Olympics, causing her to question her ability to compete safely. âIt doesnât feel comfortable, I have no idea where I am, but Iâm twisting, praying I land on my feet,â she recalled in a podcast interview.
Despite her initial attempts to push through the disorientation, Biles ultimately made the difficult decision to step back from the competition, acknowledging the potential for serious injury. "No, no injury, thankfully. And thatâs why I took a step back, because I didnât want to do something silly out there and get injured," she stated.
Biles' experience with the twisties isn't unique. Many other gymnasts, including former teammates Aleah Finnegan and Laurie Hernandez, have also battled this debilitating condition. Hernandez described the feeling as "painful" and a stark reminder of the vulnerability athletes face, even at the peak of their abilities.
So what caused Biles' struggles with the twisties? The intense pressure and psychological toll of the Olympics, coupled with a heavy weight of expectation, likely contributed significantly to her mental state.
âThe pressure feels heavy. Itâs like the weight of the world on your shoulders and Iâm very small, so I feel like, at times, itâs very overwhelming,â Biles admitted.
To overcome the twisties, gymnasts typically simplify their routines, gradually building up to more complex moves. Performing routines into a foam pit can also help reduce the risk of injury and alleviate anxieties.
Despite the unpredictable nature of the twisties, Biles has expressed confidence in her ability to manage the condition. âIâm fine. Iâm twisting again. No worries. All is good,â she stated last year.
As Simone Biles prepares for Paris 2024, the world awaits to see if she can reclaim her title as the "Greatest of All Time" and conquer the demons of the twisties once and for all.