Coming off a five-medal haul (4 gold, 1 bronze) from Rio 2016, Simone Biles was a favorite at the Tokyo Games. Fans were excited to see her repeat such a performance, only to be concerned about what came next. The women’s team final saw her withdrawal after she lost control mid-air, suffering from a mental block called “twisties.” However, amidst that nightmare, she found someone who came to her as a gesture of hope.
Indeed, it was none other than fellow Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin. The two recently united during a conversation featured on Shiffrin’s YouTube channel, and Biles recalled how the alpine skier helped her through one of the toughest times in her gymnastics career. “I remember being in Tokyo when you reached out. Um, and I knew you could relate automatically, not just because of the success, just because how difficult our sports are,” Biles said.
The brain-to-body disconnect that Biles went through during “twisties” was quite dangerous for the gymnast. Indeed, if this triggered during a move that required the gymnast to be in mid-air, it could have seriously injured her. While suffering from this, Biles also went through a phase of receiving criticism for backing out of the competition, which further deteriorated her mental state.
To Shiffrin’s simple gesture, Biles’ reaction was immense, as she recalled, stating, “And I was like, ‘Wow, she didn’t have to take the time out of her day to reach out, but she understands what I’m going through.’ Even though you haven’t gone through it physically, you’re like, as an athlete, the respect that you have. I was just like, ‘Wow, she’s such a huge role model.’ And like I appreciated that so much.” Well, this support story was quite mutual. Later at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Shiffrin had one of her worst Olympic performances ever. After her epic performances in the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where she secured two medals (1 gold, 1 silver), she was a favorite coming to Beijing. However, not even in a single event was she able to claim a medal, leaving many, even Biles, in tears.
During the same interview, the gymnast recalled watching Shiffrin’s performance, saying, “I’m just watching and I was like, ‘No, it’s happening.’ I just wanted to cry. For you to reach out and now it’s happening to you … I’m like, I see me in her, and I know exactly how she is feeling.” However, this isn’t the first time they talked about their respective Olympic experiences, as both of them also met at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
When Greatness Meets Grace
The Tokyo Olympics will forever be remembered as one of the most emotionally complex Games in modern history. Empty stadiums. Unprecedented pressure. And athletes pushed not just physically—but mentally. At the center of that storm stood Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time.
But what many fans didn’t see was a quiet, powerful moment of solidarity that happened off the podium—one involving another American legend, Mikaela Shiffrin.
Years later, Simone Biles has finally shared her honest reaction to what Shiffrin did for her in Tokyo. And honestly? It says more about true champions than any gold medal ever could.
Let’s break it down.
The Weight Simone Biles Carried Into Tokyo
More Than an Athlete, a Symbol
By the time Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo, she wasn’t just an Olympian. She was a symbol. Of excellence. Of dominance. Of expectations that felt impossibly heavy.
Every flip. Every landing. Every routine came with the weight of a nation’s hopes strapped to it.
And that pressure? It doesn’t stay outside the arena.
The Mental Health Struggle No One Expected
When Biles made the difficult decision to step back from competition due to mental health concerns and the dangerous condition known as the “twisties,” the world reacted fast—and not always kindly.
Some praised her courage. Others questioned her toughness.
But behind the headlines was a human being navigating something deeply personal.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Own Olympic Battle
A Champion Facing Unexpected Defeat
While Simone Biles was dealing with intense scrutiny, Mikaela Shiffrin was fighting her own quiet battle.
The alpine skiing superstar entered Tokyo (and later Beijing) as a heavy favorite. But during the Olympics, she suffered shocking early exits—finishing with multiple DNFs that stunned fans and commentators alike.
For the first time in her career, Shiffrin was forced to confront failure on the biggest stage.
Shared Pain Creates Silent Understanding
Here’s the thing about elite athletes: they recognize struggle even when no words are spoken.
Shiffrin didn’t need an explanation from Biles. She understood.
And that understanding led to something extraordinary.
What Mikaela Shiffrin Did for Simone Biles in Tokyo
A Private Gesture That Meant Everything
While the world debated Simone Biles’ choices online, Mikaela Shiffrin reached out—not for cameras, not for headlines, but out of genuine empathy.
According to Biles, Shiffrin offered support without judgment, reminding her that her worth extended far beyond medals and routines.
No advice. No pressure. Just presence.
Sometimes, that’s the loudest kind of support.
Why This Moment Was So Powerful
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It came from a peer, not a pundit
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It was rooted in shared experience
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It asked for nothing in return
In a world obsessed with winning, Shiffrin chose compassion.
Simone Biles’ Honest Reaction: “It Meant More Than She Knows”
Biles Opens Up About the Impact
When Simone Biles later reflected on that moment, her reaction was raw and sincere.
She described Mikaela Shiffrin’s support as grounding, something that reminded her she wasn’t alone—even when it felt like the world was watching her fall.
Biles admitted that knowing another elite athlete truly understood made all the difference.
Validation in the Loneliest Moment
Imagine standing at the peak of your career—and feeling completely isolated.
That’s where Shiffrin’s gesture landed. Right in the middle of that loneliness.
Why This Story Resonates Beyond Sports
Mental Health Is the Real Olympic Event
This wasn’t just about gymnastics or skiing. It was about mental health at the highest level of performance.
Biles and Shiffrin showed the world that even the strongest athletes can struggle—and still deserve grace.
Redefining Strength in Modern Athletics
Strength used to mean pushing through pain no matter the cost.
Now? Strength looks like knowing when to pause—and supporting others when they do.
The Power of Athlete-to-Athlete Support
Why Peer Support Hits Different
Fans can cheer. Coaches can advise. Media can analyze.
But support from someone who has lived it? That hits differently.
Shiffrin wasn’t speaking from theory. She was speaking from experience.
A Quiet Culture Shift in Elite Sports
Moments like this signal a shift:
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From silence to openness
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From pressure to understanding
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From isolation to connection
And it’s long overdue.
Social Media Reactions to Biles’ Revelation
Fans Praise Both Athletes
When Simone Biles shared her reaction publicly, fans flooded social media with praise—not just for Biles’ honesty, but for Shiffrin’s compassion.
Many called it a reminder that sportsmanship doesn’t end at competition.
A Viral Moment Without a Medal
Ironically, this moment—one without scores or podiums—may be one of the most lasting legacies of Tokyo.
How This Moment Changed Simone Biles’ Perspective
Healing Beyond the Gym
Biles has since spoken about how moments like this helped her rebuild confidence, trust herself again, and return to competition on her own terms.
Not because she had to—but because she wanted to.
Carrying the Lesson Forward
Today, Biles openly advocates for athlete mental health, often reminding younger competitors that they’re human first, athletes second.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Quiet Leadership
Leading Without a Microphone
Shiffrin never publicly highlighted her support for Biles. And that might be the most telling part.
True leadership doesn’t announce itself.
It simply shows up.
Why This Elevated Her Legacy
Championships define careers. Character defines legacies.
Shiffrin showed both.
Why Fans Will Remember This Tokyo Olympics Moment Forever
Not All Olympic Wins Are Measured in Gold
Some victories don’t come with medals.
They come with moments of humanity that change how we view success.
A Defining Chapter in Olympic History
Years from now, people won’t just remember scores and standings.
They’ll remember compassion.
Conclusion: When Champions Choose Compassion Over Competition
The story of Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin at the Tokyo Olympics isn’t about gymnastics or skiing.
It’s about what happens when two of the greatest athletes of their generation choose empathy over ego.
Simone Biles’ honest reaction reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful support comes quietly—from someone who truly understands.
And in that moment, both women proved they are champions in every sense of the word.
