CRYING Simone Biles is suffering from the Twisties and admits: I’m still scared to do gymnastics.
The American superstar withdrew from five of her six finals at the Tokyo Olympics after a fluffed vault routine left her feeling disoriented.
The Twisties are like the yips for gymnasts and the 24-year-old has spoken about the mental pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stages.
Biles broke down in tears in an emotional interview with the Today programme in the US.
She said: “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.
“But for so many years to go through everything that I’ve gone through having a front, I’m proud of myself.”
Biles spoke in 2018 about being abused by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who is now serving a life sentence in jail.
USA Gymnastics have been heavily criticised for covering up Nassar’s hideous crimes, which involved molesting hundreds of women and girls.
Biles said: “Over the years, after suppressing so many emotions and putting up a front on a global scene, I think all of that came to light.
“My body and my mind allowed me to suppress all of that stuff for so many years, for as long as it could take.
“And as soon as we stepped onto the Olympic scene, it just decided it couldn’t do it anymore and it cracked, and that’s what happens.
“And that’s why taking care of your mental well-being and mental health is so important, so that something like that doesn’t happen.
“And I’m grateful that it wasn’t somebody else, and it was me, because I know I’m strong enough and I can get back on my feet and I’m going to get back on my feet with the right help.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
