Simone Biles Explains How the “Twisties” Led to Her Withdrawal from Olympic Events

Source: The Hollywood Reporter:::

July 30, 2021 at 11:21

The 24-year-old U.S. gymnast got open and honest about the danger of the physically disorienting experience and pushed back on critics who said she quit the team finals.

Simone Biles has opened up about what happened to her during Tuesday’s gymnastics team finals and ultimately the reason why she withdrew from both that competition and Thursday’s all-around, while also taking on critics who have claimed she quit.

On Thursday, the U.S. Olympian took to her Instagram to answer questions around what is known in the gymnastics community as the “twisties,” which sees athletes suddenly and inexplicably unable to complete spins — sometimes any other times requisite — for a maneuver. According to her Instagram story, the “petrifying” experience has happened to Biles before and can be caused by stress, though she’s not entirely sure.

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