Simone Biles’ Tokyo Olympics Was An Emotional Roller Coaster “But all in all, it was the best decision”
The most decorated gymnast in the world, Simone Biles, discussed her life beyond the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and her emotional journey in a lengthy interview with Vanity Fair.
The mental health condition known as the “twisties,” in which gymnasts lose control of their bodies in midair, caused Biles, 26, to withdraw from the Games.
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Biles acknowledged in the interview that her break following her trip to Tokyo wasn’t as glamorous as some may have thought. She revealed that the time was first sad until she went to treatment and got support. Even though she advocates for mental health, talking about her experience in Tokyo made her feel inadequate.
Simone chose what was best for her.
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While fans attempted to promote the gymnast as a mental health advocate—a role she wasn’t totally comfortable with—she was met with criticism and called a “quitter” by trolls.
After winning four gold medals in the Olympics in Brazil in 2016, Biles went back to competition last year with the goal of competing in Paris in 2024. Biles, who has received a lot of training, said that she was terrified even though she was thrilled to be back.
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“But all in all, it was the best decision,” she said, thinking back on the events that transpired in Tokyo. Simone said that she won’t be crushed if she doesn’t make it to Paris, despite being reticent about her choice.
Biles’s comeback was not easy.
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After taking a break, Biles returned with style, taking home five medals in Antwerp, including four gold ones, at the 2023 World Championships. Biles acknowledged feeling anxious and less confident than she would have liked to be throughout the competition, despite her record-breaking accomplishments.
Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history after surpassing Vitaly Scherbo’s previous record of 33 career medals with 37 World and Olympic medals.
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Although Simone Biles hasn’t disclosed her competition schedule for 2024, fans are excited about her potential return, perhaps at the U.S. Classic in May.
