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.
What happens when the world’s greatest gymnast loses her sense of direction mid-air? This isn’t a hypothetical—it’s Simone Biles’ reality. Her coach has recently opened up about a condition that almost shattered her career: a mind-bending phenomenon known as “the twisties.” Simone Biles has long been seen as superhuman, pulling off moves most gymnasts wouldn’t dare to dream of. But even superheroes have their kryptonite. Let’s dive into the story behind the flips, fame, and the fear that threatened it all.
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.” Boorman confirmed in her book that with the help of therapy and her family, Biles ended up being able to twist in time for the 2016 Rio Games and added “Thankfully the twisties had passed without injury… we demonstrated that an elite gymnast can avoid training elements for weeks without losing their skills.” While Biles hasn’t publicly commented on Boorman’s revelations in her book, she previously opened up about her experience with the twisties in the documentary Simone Biles Rising and said “it’s been scary.” to deal with.
“I’m getting lost on my skills. I just don’t get how It’s like I’m so prepared but I don’t know if I’m overthinking,” she continued. “It’s getting to the point where it’s becoming dangerous because I’m getting lost on all of my floor skills and it’s like it could happen any other time, I don’t get why it’s happening any other time.” Simone Biles’ coach’s recent revelation reminds us of one crucial truth: behind every incredible feat is a human being. One who stumbles, struggles, and—most importantly—gets back up. Her story isn’t just about flips and gold medals. It’s about courage, clarity, and coming back from the invisible battles.
