“At that point, there was just literally no way that it could happen. I put too much work in physically, mentally, emotionally. But I mean, we’re human. You’re always gonna think about what if it goes wrong? That was just the little voices in my head.” It has been more than a year since we saw Simone Biles back in any gymnastics competition. The 2024 Gold Over America Tour in November was the last time we saw the GOAT of gymnastics do Gymnastics.
And it is justified, she has given years to the sport, the limits of willpower and body are entirely different. After the Olympics, as he told, “I went back to the village, took the elevator, and my body literally collapsed.” If it’s rest she wants now, rest is what she deserves. Moreover, she seems to be enjoying her time off from gymnastics.
Taking to her Threads account, Simone Biles wrote on September 11th, “im where I’m supposed to be 🤌🏾“. What could this mean? Yesterday, the 28-year-old was in New York at a Vanity Fair banquet, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet, wearing an Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon 38 mm. Then she flew to Hong Kong for another event of the watch brand itself. In her Instagram story on September 11, we can see the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini Frosted that Owens gifted her.
Maybe what she means by those words is that she is enjoying her life outside of gymnastics. Let’s be honest, the GOAT of gymnastics has given a lot to the sport; she has been training since she was six, and perhaps it was the intense pressure of the competition that she ultimately had to step out of the 2021 Olympics due to Twisties (a mental block that creates a dangerous disconnect between mind and body while gymnasts are airborne). She also found great success outside of gymnastics.
The World Stopped and Listened
When Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, stepped back from gymnastics, the world held its breath. Fans, critics, and the media all asked the same burning question: Why? After months of silence and speculation, Simone finally made a powerful revelation that shook not just the sports world but also inspired millions. This isn’t just about gymnastics—it’s about resilience, self-care, and redefining what it means to be a champion.
Who Is Simone Biles? The Legend Behind the Name
Simone Biles isn’t just any gymnast—she’s a global icon. With 7 Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, her name is etched in history as the greatest of all time (GOAT). But beyond the flips, twists, and gold medals, Simone is also a young woman navigating pressures that most of us can barely imagine.
The Break That Shocked the World
When Simone announced her decision to take a break from gymnastics, it wasn’t just news—it was a cultural moment. Many couldn’t understand why an athlete at the peak of her career would step away. But what looked like a pause in competition was actually the beginning of an even more powerful journey.
The Revelation: What Simone Finally Shared
Months later, Simone revealed the real reason behind her absence. She openly discussed the toll that mental health challenges, physical strain, and overwhelming expectations had taken on her. Her honesty was raw and vulnerable, and for the first time, fans saw Simone not just as a gymnast, but as a human being.
The Weight of Expectations: More Than Just Medals
Imagine carrying the weight of an entire nation’s hopes on your shoulders every time you compete. That’s what Simone lived with for years. The pressure to always be perfect, to never make mistakes, and to constantly break records can drain even the strongest athletes.
Mental Health in Sports: A Silent Struggle
Simone’s revelation sparked a global conversation. For too long, athletes have been expected to push through pain, hide struggles, and perform flawlessly. But Simone flipped the narrative. By speaking out, she showed the world that mental health is just as important as physical health.
The “Twisties”: A Gymnast’s Nightmare
Part of Simone’s break was due to experiencing the “twisties”—a dangerous mental block where gymnasts lose their sense of space mid-air. It’s not just scary; it can be life-threatening. Her decision to step away wasn’t weakness—it was courage.
Redefining What Strength Looks Like
For years, strength in sports was measured by grit, endurance, and medals. Simone changed that definition. True strength is knowing when to push forward and when to protect yourself. Her revelation showed the world that stepping back doesn’t make you weak—it makes you wise.
Public Reaction: A Mix of Shock and Support
When Simone opened up, reactions poured in from all corners of the globe. Some critics called her decision a failure, but millions rallied behind her. Athletes, celebrities, and mental health advocates praised her for her honesty. The outpouring of love proved that the world is ready for a new conversation about athlete wellness.
The Power of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but Simone turned it into her superpower. By admitting her struggles, she connected with people far beyond gymnastics—students, parents, professionals—anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by expectations.
Life Beyond the Gym: Simone’s Personal Growth
During her break, Simone focused on herself. She spent time with her family, supported her teammates from the sidelines, and embraced life outside the gym. She got engaged, shared glimpses of her happiness with fans, and reminded the world that athletes are more than their sport.
What This Means for the Future of Gymnastics
Simone’s revelation didn’t just impact her—it set a new standard for gymnastics and sports as a whole. Coaches, organizations, and young athletes are now talking more openly about mental health, balance, and well-being. Her honesty may very well change the culture of sports for generations to come.
Simone’s Next Chapter: What’s Ahead?
Will Simone return to competition? That’s the million-dollar question. While she hasn’t closed the door, her focus now seems to be on healing, enjoying life, and inspiring others. Whether she competes again or not, her legacy is already larger than medals—it’s about humanity, courage, and leadership.
The Lesson for All of Us
Simone’s journey isn’t just about gymnastics—it’s about life. We all face pressures, expectations, and challenges. Her story reminds us that it’s okay to pause, okay to take care of ourselves, and okay to admit when we’re not okay.
Why Simone Biles’ Story Matters Today
In a world obsessed with perfection and constant hustle, Simone’s revelation is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us that even the greatest of all time need rest, recovery, and compassion. Her honesty is a reminder to prioritize balance over burnout.
Conclusion: Simone Biles—More Than a Gymnast
Simone Biles’ big revelation is more than a headline—it’s a movement. By stepping back and speaking up, she proved that champions are defined not just by what they achieve in the arena but also by the courage they show outside of it. Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the courage to put health before medals.
FAQs
1. What did Simone Biles reveal after her break from gymnastics?
She revealed that her time away was due to mental health struggles and the dangerous effects of the “twisties,” a condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness.
2. Why did Simone Biles take a break from gymnastics?
She stepped back to prioritize her mental and physical health, showing the importance of self-care even at the highest level of competition.
3. What are the “twisties” in gymnastics?
The twisties are a mental block where gymnasts lose their sense of direction mid-air, making routines unsafe and extremely risky.
4. Will Simone Biles return to gymnastics?
While she hasn’t confirmed a full comeback, she hasn’t ruled it out either. For now, her focus is on her well-being and personal life.
5. How did Simone’s revelation impact sports culture?
Her openness sparked a global conversation about mental health in sports, inspiring athletes and fans to prioritize wellness over performance.
