In the world of gymnastics, athletes are often celebrated for their strength, grace, and breathtaking performances. Yet, what fans don’t always see is the mental and emotional battles behind the scenes. Jordan Chiles, one of Team USA’s standout gymnasts, recently overcame a challenge that even her close friend and mentor, Simone Biles, once struggled with—the mental block known as the “twisties.”
This article takes a deep dive into how Jordan Chiles faced the same roadblock, what it means in gymnastics, and how she emerged stronger than ever.
What Are the Twisties in Gymnastics?
The “twisties” is a term that describes a dangerous mental block in gymnastics. It happens when gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness mid-air, making it nearly impossible to complete twists and flips safely. Imagine driving a car, but suddenly your mind blanks on how to steer—that’s how terrifying the twisties can feel.
Simone Biles and the World’s Introduction to the Twisties
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics shed global light on this hidden challenge when Simone Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, pulled out of multiple events because of the twisties. Fans around the world suddenly realized that even the most dominant athlete on the planet could be stopped—not by physical injury—but by the mind.
Jordan Chiles’ Parallel Struggle
Jordan Chiles, often seen as Simone’s protégé, recently admitted to facing the same battle. For Chiles, the twisties became an obstacle she had to face head-on during training and competition. What’s remarkable is that she didn’t shy away from acknowledging her struggle. Instead, she used it as fuel to prove she could rise above it.
How Jordan Chiles Conquered the Twisties
Unlike many gymnasts who crumble under the pressure of the twisties, Chiles leaned into a supportive system. Coaches, teammates, and especially Simone Biles herself played a key role in her comeback. She slowed down her routines, rebuilt her confidence, and gradually regained her trust in her own body.
Jordan Chiles has often recalled how she watched Simone Biles confront the weight of public expectation at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, an experience that left a lasting impression on her. Seeing her closest friend stepping aside from the all-around final and speaking candidly about the value of therapy left a deep impression. Biles’ words, “I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case,” stayed with Chiles. But little did she know that she would have to lean on those words to navigate her complicated journey.
Unfortunately, Paris 2024 made her realize how it feels facing scathing criticism. After securing an Olympic medal, Chiles’ Olympic dream was cut short after having to relinquish the medal. Life took no time to throw one of the biggest challenges of her life. The Court of Arbitration for Sport transferred the medal to Ana Barbosu, leaving Chiles to admit, “The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was. Not just my sport, but the person I am.” Chiles later acknowledged that the medal controversy “took away the person I am.”
Thus, Chiles has now decided to approach well-being pretty seriously. Back in August 2025, the Olympian announced the Shero Athlete Collective. This initiative is designed to guide young women in sports through the business and the mental side of their careers. Chiles reflected on her latest perspective as she told Ariel Baker of Marie Claire, “I’m not super big into wellness trends, but I will say I had to learn to appreciate therapists. I had a sports psychologist when I was younger, and I didn’t like it because I didn’t see the point of talking to someone about my life. However, as I’ve gotten older, therapy has become something that I really advocate for, whether people are involved in sports or not.”
Her words echo almost precisely what Biles once admitted in 2021. The four-time Olympic champion told Glamour that she first resisted the idea of counseling, saying, “One of the very first sessions, I didn’t talk at all. I just wouldn’t say anything. I was like, I’m not crazy, I don’t need to be here.” However, later on, Biles did accept the value of those sessions, describing therapy as “a safe space.” Chiles finds herself on the same path, having reached the same conclusion.
Sometimes, all it takes is opening up about your problems and making good use of therapy. These days, multiple athletes are prominent advocates of mental health. Take Michael Phelps, for example. When you think he won’t have stress or any anxiety, even the Aqua Gladiator had to take a step back and check on his mental health. With various examples, Chiles becomes the latest athlete to speak up on therapy.
TIME has listed Chiles as one of its Women of the Year. Not only that, but fans gave their acknowledgements at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit. Surprisingly, all these shining accolades could have easily been eclipsed by darkness, as Chiles’ childhood is heartbreaking.
