Simone Biles withdrew from multiple events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics citing mental health and the “twisties” — a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air.
The Moment
On July 27, 2021, Biles withdrew from the team final after one vault, later pulling out of the all-around, vault, floor, and uneven bars finals. She competed only in balance beam, winning bronze.
The decision sparked global conversation about athlete mental health, pressure, and the right to prioritize wellbeing over competition. Biles cited experiencing the “twisties,” where gymnasts lose sense of where they are in the air, creating life-threatening injury risk.
Cultural Impact
The hashtag became central to debates about:
- Mental health destigmatization in elite sports
- GOAT (Greatest of All Time) status and vulnerability
- Pressure on Black women athletes
- USA Gymnastics’ toxic culture post-Larry Nassar abuse scandal
Biles returned to win beam bronze, her 7th Olympic medal. She later became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and testified before Congress about systemic failures in the Nassar abuse case.
Legacy
Her withdrawal was named AP Female Athlete of the Year for courage. The moment redefined conversations about athletic excellence beyond medals — prioritizing health as strength, not weakness.
Source: NBC Olympics Coverage