Gymnast Simone Biles, who disclosed her mental health struggles during the Tokyo Olympics, says she’s “still scared to do gymnastics.”
In an emotional interview on NBC’s “Today” show on Thursday, Biles said she’s still struggling with the “twisties” as she performs on her Gold Over America Tour. The twisties is a mental block where competitors can lose track of where they are while in midair. “I don’t twist (on tour). I do double lay half-outs, which is my signature move on the floor. That’s never affected me. But everything else weighs so heavy, and I watch the girls do it, and it’s not the same,” said Biles, arguably the greatest gymnast of all time. “But the twisting, once I got back, will come back. But I’m still scared to do gymnastics,” she added.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, is known for her gravity-defying skills and unshakable confidence. But after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she shocked the world by prioritizing her mental health over competition. Now, she’s opening up about her struggles and the lasting impact on her gymnastics career.
Biles, 24, who has won seven Olympic medals, including four golds, battled mental health issues and the unexpected loss of a family member during the Summer Games. ‘I’m happy that I can be a leader for the survivors’. Last month, Biles testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the FBI’s handling of sexual abuse claims against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Biles, alongside McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman – all of whom were abused by him – focused on how the FBI botched its investigation and the intimidation that came from the sport’s governing bodies. “For so many years to go through everything that I’ve gone through, put on a front, I’m proud of myself, and I’m happy that I can be a leader for the survivors and bring courage to everybody speaking up, so I’m happy to be a voice for them,” Biles said on Today.
At the Olympics, Biles withdrew during the team final and then withdrew ahead of the all-around final and individual events of vault, uneven bars and floor exercise. She did compete in the balance beam final, winning bronze. “To do something that I’ve done forever and just not be able to do it because of everything I’ve gone through is really crazy, because I love this sport so much. It’s hard, I’m sorry. And I don’t think people understand the magnitude of what I go through,” Biles said, her voice breaking up.
Simone Biles’ courage to speak up about her mental health has changed the sports world forever. While she may still fear returning to the sport she once dominated, her honesty has inspired millions. Her legacy isn’t just about gold medals—it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and breaking the stigma around mental health.
Biles said she has many techniques to help with her mental wellness, including using the mental health app Cerebral. She is now the chief impact officer with the company. “Getting the mental health therapy that I need has been really relieving for me, especially being on the road and on tour. I’m happy to have such a great app to help out with that,” she said. Biles said she also likes taking walks outside and indulges in a little retail therapy.
