The Moment Biles Pulled Back
Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from several key events shocked the sports world. At the time, her explanation centered around the “twisties,” a phenomenon in which gymnasts lose their sense of orientation mid-air, making it incredibly dangerous to perform complex moves. However, in her conversation with Today, Biles shared that the twisties were just one aspect of a broader mental health struggle that had been building over time.
“I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders,” Biles told Today. As the face of Team USA gymnastics, she admitted feeling enormous expectations from not only her country but also from herself. The pressure had become overwhelming, and she realized that pushing through could have devastating consequences.
A Tough but Necessary Decision
For Biles, choosing to step back wasn’t easy. In her Today interview, she described the internal conflict she experienced, having trained for years with the expectation of winning multiple gold medals. But when it came down to it, Biles knew her mental and physical health had to come first. She revealed to Today that her decision to withdraw from certain events wasn’t just about the twisties but about making a statement on the importance of mental well-being, even for elite athletes.
“It’s OK to not be OK,” she told Today. Biles explained how she felt vulnerable, admitting that for too long, athletes—especially those in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics—were expected to push through pain and struggle in silence. Her choice to step back during Tokyo 2020 sparked a global conversation about mental health in sports.
Support from Fans and Fellow Athletes
Despite initial criticism from some circles, Biles’ decision was met with overwhelming support from fans, fellow athletes, and even Olympic officials. In her Today interview, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and understanding she received, which helped her cope during such a difficult time.
“It showed me how much people care,” she said, noting that athletes like Michael Phelps and Naomi Osaka publicly stood by her, having faced their own mental health battles. The experience, though challenging, ultimately reinforced Biles’ belief that the conversation around mental health in sports is long overdue.
Redemption and Legacy
Simone Biles eventually returned to compete in the balance beam final at the Tokyo Olympics, earning a bronze medal. This moment was significant, not because of the medal itself, but because it symbolized her resilience. As she explained to Today, stepping back allowed her to re-center and rediscover her love for the sport.
“I wanted to show people that it’s OK to come back when you’re ready,” she said.
Looking ahead, Biles hopes her story will inspire future generations of athletes to prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment.
