Biles has withdrawn from every individual final so far at the Olympics as she deals with a mental block that in gymnastics is referred to as “the twisties.”
WASHINGTON — A teammate of Simone Biles thinks the G.O.A.T will make one last Olympic appearance in Tokyo.
Biles has been dealing with a mental block that in gymnastics is referred to as “the twisties.” In other words, the six-time Olympic medalist is having trouble figuring out where her body is in relation to the ground when in the air.
Biles exited the team competition early on and withdrew herself from theall-around final, along with the uneven bars, vault and floor finals.
USA Gymnastics said over the weekend that Biles has not yet decided whether to participate in the balance beam final, which is scheduled for Tuesday. She earned bronze on the event in Brazil five years ago.
After filling in for Biles on vault and winning a silver medal, MyKayla Skinner was asked by reporters whether she thought Simone would compete in the balance beam final, to which she replied: “Yeah, I think so. Yes, yes.”
Skinner followed-up by saying that she doesn’t “know for sure. It’s kind of up to her, so that’s the game plan.”
According to PEOPLE, Skinner described how Biles has been “super supportive” and has “been the happiest person and I’m so grateful to see after everything she’s been through that she’s making the best of it.”
Biles explained last week that she’s battled the “twisties” before, but typically only when it comes to vault and floor exercise. This time around, it’s a problem on all four apparatuses. USA Gymnastics said Biles will continue to be evaluated daily.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
