Simone Biles struggled with the “twisties” even before the condition negatively impacted her performance during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In her new book titled The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles, the 28-year-old Olympian’s former coach Aimee Boorman revealed that Biles struggled with the condition even before she was forced to pull out of the Tokyo Games.
According to The Guardian, Boorman wrote that Biles first “experienced this proprioception phenomenon in January of 2016.” “When this happens to a gymnast who is flipping 10-plus feet in the air and they lose body awareness in space and time – not knowing if they’re going to land on their back, feet or head,” she continued. “It’s much more dangerous [than the “yips” in baseball or golf].”
Boorman — who coached Biles from seven years old all the way through the 2016 Rio Olympics — recalled that Biles even dealt with the twisties during the 2015 world championships. After the championships, Boorman wrote “Simone couldn’t twist – on basically anything” and that she “would physically stop herself from twisting during her routines because she was afraid of getting lost in the air.” Simone would never crash,” she continued. “She would just stop herself before ever attempting a twist.”
The Hidden Side of Greatness
Simone Biles — the name itself defines perfection, strength, and resilience. But what if I told you that behind those flawless flips and golden medals, there was a silent, terrifying battle? Recently, Simone’s longtime coach opened up about a “disorienting condition” that almost took her out of gymnastics forever. This revelation shocked fans and reminded the world that even superstars have invisible struggles.
What Is the ‘Disorienting Condition’?
Let’s cut to the chase — the mysterious “disorienting condition” her coach mentioned refers to the twisties. For those outside the gymnastics world, this might sound cute or harmless. But for gymnasts, it’s pure terror. Imagine being mid-air, spinning multiple times, and suddenly losing all sense of direction. You don’t know where the ground is. You don’t know how to land. It’s like your mind and body stop communicating — mid-flight.
The Science Behind the Twisties
Twisties aren’t just a “mental block.” They’re a neurological disconnect between the brain and body’s spatial awareness. Gymnasts rely on an internal GPS called proprioception — the ability to sense your body’s position in space. When that system glitches, even the simplest move becomes a high-risk gamble.
In Simone’s case, the twisties weren’t just a physical issue. They stemmed from a storm of emotional and mental pressure that had been building for years.
How Simone’s Coach Described the Nightmare
Her coach revealed that Simone once came into practice unable to complete basic tumbling passes. One wrong flip could have ended her career — or worse. “It was like watching someone lose their superpower,” the coach confessed. “She’d go up for a twist and suddenly freeze, not knowing which way was up.”
That statement sent chills through the gymnastics world. The queen of flips — lost mid-air? It seemed impossible. Yet, that was Simone’s reality.
The Mental Pressure Behind the Twisties
Let’s be real — Simone isn’t just an athlete; she’s a global icon. The pressure to perform flawlessly every single time would crush most people. Add the weight of the Olympics, public scrutiny, and personal trauma, and you’ve got the perfect storm for mental burnout.
Her coach admitted that the twisties were a physical symptom of something deeper — mental overload. The mind had reached its limit, and the body reacted by shutting down coordination.
When Simone Stepped Back: A Bold Move
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Simone did something that few athletes dare to do — she stepped back. She withdrew from several events, citing mental health reasons. At the time, critics accused her of “giving up.” But now, knowing about the disorienting condition, it’s clear she wasn’t quitting — she was saving herself.
That decision might have been her most courageous move yet.
The Internet’s Reaction: From Judgment to Empathy
At first, social media exploded with mixed reactions. Some called her weak, others hailed her as a hero. But once the truth about her condition surfaced, the narrative shifted. Fans, athletes, and even mental health advocates rallied behind her. They realized Simone wasn’t just fighting for medals — she was fighting for her life and sanity.
How She Overcame the Twisties
So, how did she do it? How did Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, find her way back?
Her coach revealed that recovery took time, patience, and retraining from scratch. She started with basic skills — flips, turns, and simple landings — all over again. It was like teaching her body how to trust her brain once more.
It wasn’t glamorous. There were tears, frustration, and doubt. But Simone pushed through. Slowly, the twisties faded, and confidence returned.
The Role of Mental Health Support
Simone’s comeback wasn’t just physical. She worked closely with mental health professionals, embracing therapy and mindfulness training. For the first time, she prioritized her mind as much as her body.
Her coach emphasized that mental health is no longer a taboo topic in their gym. “We talk about it as much as we talk about conditioning or routines,” they said. That’s revolutionary for a sport known for its “tough it out” mentality.
A Wake-Up Call for the Sports World
Simone’s story sparked a global conversation about mental health in sports. Athletes from tennis, swimming, and track echoed her experience. The message was clear: you can’t perform at your best if your mind isn’t at peace.
Her struggle exposed the unrealistic expectations placed on elite athletes — that they must be machines, not humans. But Simone shattered that illusion with grace and honesty.
The Media’s Role in Her Pressure
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room — media pressure. Every move Simone made was analyzed, every mistake magnified. Her coach mentioned that even small slip-ups during training were turned into viral clips. That constant scrutiny added to the anxiety that triggered her disorientation.
It’s a stark reminder that behind every headline, there’s a human being who feels every word.
What Fans Can Learn from Simone’s Journey
Simone’s story isn’t just about gymnastics. It’s a masterclass in resilience, vulnerability, and self-respect. She showed the world that stepping back doesn’t mean failure — it means strength.
If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, Simone’s journey reminds you that healing takes time — and courage.
The Symbol of Hope: Simone’s Comeback
Fast forward to today — Simone is back, stronger and more centered than ever. Her recent performances prove that she didn’t just return to gymnastics; she redefined it. Her coach said she’s now more aware of her limits and her power. That balance is what makes her unstoppable.
Behind Every Champion Is a Human
We often see the medals, the glory, and the podiums. But behind that stands a person who battles fears, doubts, and invisible conditions. Simone’s struggle with disorientation showed us that greatness isn’t about never falling — it’s about rising every time you do.
Conclusion: The Legacy Beyond the Leotard
Simone Biles’ coach revealing her struggle with a disorienting condition isn’t a story of weakness — it’s a story of evolution. She faced her fears, listened to her body, and came back with a purpose greater than gold.
Her legacy now goes beyond gymnastics. It’s about mental health, self-care, and the courage to say, “I’m not okay — and that’s okay.”
Simone Biles didn’t just flip through the air. She flipped the script on what it means to be strong.
FAQs
1. What exactly are the twisties in gymnastics?
The twisties are a sudden loss of body awareness during aerial maneuvers, causing gymnasts to lose their sense of direction mid-air — a dangerous condition that can lead to serious injury.
2. How did Simone Biles overcome her disorienting condition?
Through therapy, mental rest, gradual retraining, and focusing on rebuilding trust between her mind and body, guided by her coach and support team.
3. Why did Simone withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
She withdrew to protect her mental and physical health after experiencing severe twisties — a courageous decision that sparked a global discussion on athlete well-being.
4. Did Simone’s coach help her manage the twisties?
Yes, her coach played a crucial role by allowing her to step back, reset, and rebuild at her own pace without external pressure.
5. What message does Simone Biles’ story send to the world?
Her journey teaches us that mental health is as important as physical strength and that true champions know when to pause, heal, and come back stronger.
