Simone Biles, the renowned gymnast, made a difficult decision to withdraw from the gymnastics team finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to experiencing the ‘twisties,’ a disorienting phenomenon for gymnasts. In a newly-released book by Gotham Chopra titled ‘Religion of Sports,’ it is revealed that Biles reached out to her mom, Nellie, for support during this emotional time.
According to the book, Biles expressed feeling like she might die every time she performed a vault with two and a half twists. This fear led her to withdraw from the competition, as she confided in her teammates, “I don’t want to do something stupid.”
Seeking reassurance and guidance, Biles called her mom, who provided the much-needed support. Nellie comforted her daughter and emphasized the importance of prioritizing her well-being, saying, “You don’t need to go out there and hurt yourself. That’s just not right.”
During the intimate moment between mother and daughter, Nellie continued to offer words of encouragement, telling Biles to take care of herself and reminding her that they were all praying for her. The book also details how Nellie informed the rest of Biles’s family and friends about her decision to withdraw from the competition, emphasizing that Biles had put her mental and physical well-being first.
Biles overcame criticism after her decision
Biles faced both support and criticism for her decision, with some applauding her prioritization of mental health while others condemned her as weak. In response to the backlash, the book reveals Biles’s frustration as she explained to her family that people failed to understand the reasoning behind her decision.
She emphasized that her choice was not about losing medals but rather about preventing potential injury, stating, “If I would’ve continued, I probably would have gotten injured. They wouldn’t have been able to replace [my scores].”
The book provides a poignant insight into the emotional turmoil Biles experienced during this challenging time and sheds light on the complexities of elite athletic competition. It showcases the unwavering support of her family and the internal struggle she faced in making a decision that ultimately prioritized her well-being.
