While visiting “The Today Show,” on Oct. 21, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles revealed that she is still scared to practice gymnastics.
The 24-year-old gymnast stepped away from the Summer Olympics to focus on her mental health after suffering from the “twisties,” which is a phenomenon where gymnasts lose control over their bodies while they are twisting in the air. It has been described as a “mental block” that psychologically cripples gymnasts, making them unable to perform the familiar maneuvers they were once able to execute.
“It’s hard, but the twisting once I got back, will come back … I’m still scared to do gymnastics,” Biles tearfully admitted,
She went on to say that she’s felt she has had to put on a front over the years, but she is proud of herself for overcoming everything she’s been through and that she could “be a leader” for others.
Biles has managed to transition from being the face of gymnastics to being the face of mental health among athletes. Speaking her truth about her struggles with mental health this past summer has garnered support from renowned athletes like Venus Williams and Naomi Osaka, and allowed others to feel emboldened enough to speak theirs as well.
“Going through something like that on a global stage is so crazy. I’m trying to navigate that the best way I can,” Biles responded when asked how she has handled this change in the way she is perceived by the masses.
“At the end of the day, I still go through my own set of problems that I have to deal with,” she added.
