Simone Biles, the most popular U.S. women’s gymnast and the “greatest of all time,” is making a comeback. Fans worldwide are hopeful Biles will secure a spot at her fourth Olympic Games to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Earlier this month, Biles returned to competition for the first time since 2021 after withdrawing from competition at the Tokyo Olympics. Her winning performances in the all-around, beam, floor, and vault events at the Core Hydration Classic are proof that time off from competition has been beneficial for Biles. During the last two years, Biles has focused on her health and safety as well as taking on other activities including advocating for mental health initiatives for athletes, representing endorsement partners, getting married, and training for her return to gymnastics.
After experiencing a feeling of disconnect between her mind and body during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles knew she was suffering from the “twisties.” The twisties are a dangerous mental block that causes gymnasts to become disconnected from their movements, twist counts, and the location of the ground while in the air. Although the twisties are common for gymnasts and can be overcome with repetitive safe practice in a training facility, they are debilitating during a competition.
Choosing to prioritize her safety, Biles withdrew from her remaining Olympic events but continued to support her teammates throughout the rest of the competition. During the Olympics, Biles posted on her Instagram story that she did not quit the Olympics, but chose to prioritize her physical safety and mental health. Biles was widely praised for her decision to withdraw and to speak publicly about her challenges. In doing so, Biles has become a strong advocate for mental health in sports and should be respected for her courage, resilience, and athletic accomplishments.
Biles’ brave decision to take time away from competing to work on her mental health has allowed for an essential discussion of the unique challenges that athletes regularly face. Biles told reporters, “It’s OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself, because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are, rather than just battle through it.”
The world is excited to watch Biles return to gymnastics where she is expected to earn a place on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, dominate the sport, and be a leading contender at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Biles is feeling better than ever and recently shared in an interview that “this time I’m doing it for me. I worked a lot on myself, and I believe in myself a little bit more.”