Simone Biles’ coach says gymnast suffered from ‘twisties’ before 2016 Olympics

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"Simone Biles Experienced 'Twisties' Before 2016 Olympics, Reveals Coach Aimee Boorman"

Simone Biles’ coach says gymnast suffered from ‘twisties’ before 2016 Olympics analysis cover image The Guardian 7.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/21/simone-biles-twisties-olympics
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TruthLens AI Summary

In her new book, "The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles," Aimee Boorman reveals that Simone Biles experienced the phenomenon known as the "twisties" prior to her debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The twisties can cause gymnasts to lose their spatial orientation while airborne, creating a dangerous situation, particularly in a sport where falls can lead to severe injuries. Boorman, who coached Biles from the age of seven until the end of the 2016 Olympics, explains that Biles first encountered these challenges in January 2016, following intense pressure during the 2015 World Championships, where she won four gold medals. This condition resurfaced later, during the Tokyo Olympics, contributing to Biles’ decision to withdraw from all but one of her events at the Games, where she ultimately secured a bronze medal on the balance beam.

Boorman emphasizes the severity of the twisties, noting that they pose greater risks than the mental blocks known as the "yips" in other sports like baseball or golf. Biles reportedly struggled with her twisting skills for months, even opting to halt her attempts out of fear of losing her orientation in mid-air. Fortunately, she was able to regain her confidence and skills in time for the 2016 Olympic Trials after discussions with her family and therapist. Boorman reflects on the experience, expressing relief that Biles managed to navigate the twisties without injury, demonstrating that elite gymnasts can take breaks from certain elements without losing their overall skills. Biles has since returned to competitive gymnastics, most recently achieving success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals, further solidifying her status as the most decorated gymnast in history. She has not dismissed the possibility of competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article sheds light on Simone Biles's experience with the "twisties," a phenomenon that significantly impacted her performance during high-stakes competitions. It reveals insights from her coach, Aimee Boorman, who documents Biles's struggles with this condition both before the 2016 Olympics and during the Tokyo Games. The timing of this revelation may serve various purposes, including raising awareness about mental health in sports and humanizing elite athletes.

Intent Behind the Publication

This news may aim to highlight the mental health challenges faced by athletes, particularly gymnasts. By discussing Biles's earlier struggles with the twisties, the article emphasizes that her experiences are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader narrative about mental well-being in high-pressure environments. It invites readers to empathize with Biles, positioning her not just as a champion but as a human who grapples with significant psychological hurdles.

Public Perception and Narrative

The article contributes to a growing narrative that encourages discussions around mental health in sports, potentially fostering a more supportive environment for athletes. This can help mitigate the stigma associated with mental health issues, particularly in competitive settings. As such, the article seeks to cultivate understanding and compassion among the public, showcasing Biles as a resilient figure overcoming adversity.

Potential Omissions

While the article focuses on Biles's experiences and her coach's insights, it may downplay the systemic pressures within gymnastics and the broader sports industry that contribute to mental health struggles. By not addressing these factors, the article could inadvertently obscure the need for systemic change in how athletes are supported.

Manipulative Elements

The article does not appear overtly manipulative; however, the framing of Biles's challenges could lead to a romanticized view of her resilience. This narrative might gloss over the complexities of mental health issues faced by athletes. While it aims to inspire, it could also unintentionally set unrealistic standards for performance and recovery.

Comparative Context

When compared to other articles discussing mental health in sports, this piece aligns with a growing trend of highlighting athlete well-being. It connects with broader discussions about mental health in various fields, encouraging solidarity among athletes and advocates alike.

Industry Image

The coverage of Biles's story reflects positively on the gymnastics community, showcasing a shift towards recognizing mental health as a critical aspect of athletic performance. This could enhance the image of gymnastics as a sport that values its athletes' well-being.

Societal Impact

This article may influence societal attitudes toward mental health, particularly in high-pressure environments like sports. It may lead to increased advocacy for better mental health resources for athletes, ultimately affecting policies and practices within sports organizations.

Support Base

The content likely resonates with mental health advocates, sports enthusiasts, and the general public who admire Biles’s accomplishments and struggles. It aims to appeal to individuals who value transparency and authenticity in sports narratives.

Market Implications

While the article itself may not directly influence stock markets, it can impact endorsements and sponsorships for athletes. Brands that align themselves with mental health initiatives may see increased goodwill, potentially affecting their market position.

Global Context

In terms of global dynamics, this news reflects a growing recognition of mental health issues, paralleling wider societal shifts towards prioritizing mental well-being. It connects with contemporary discussions on athlete welfare and systemic changes needed across various sports.

Use of AI in Writing

The article may have been influenced by AI in terms of language and structure, particularly in generating a coherent narrative. AI models could assist in synthesizing information from various sources, ensuring clarity and readability. However, there is no direct evidence suggesting that AI significantly altered the content's core message.

The overall reliability of this article is bolstered by its basis in firsthand accounts from Biles’s coach, providing a credible perspective on her experiences. Nonetheless, it is essential to approach it critically, recognizing the potential for narrative shaping in the portrayal of mental health issues in sports.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/21/simone-biles-twisties-olympics

Simone Bilessuffered from the “twisties” in the run-up to the 2016 Olympics, five years before the conditionseverely disrupted her performanceat the Tokyo Games.

Aimee Boorman, Biles’s longtime coach, outlines the story in her new book, The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles. The twistiescause gymnasts to lose their orientation while in the air, a dangerous situation in a sport where falls can cause serious injury. The condition,along with mental health concerns, caused Biles to withdraw from all but one final at the Tokyo Olympics, where her only medal was a bronze on the beam.

However, Boorman says Biles suffered from the twisties years earlier, before her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, when her four gold medals propelled her to worldwide fame.

“Before Simone introduced the world to the twisties in 2021, she had experienced this proprioception phenomenon in January of 2016,” Boorman writes in her new book. “When this happens to a gymnast who is flipping 10-plus feet in the air and they lose body awareness in space and time – not knowing if they’re going to land on their back, feet or head – it’s much more dangerous [than the “yips” in baseball or golf].”

Boorman, who coached Biles from the age of seven until the end of the 2016 Olympics, said the American had experienced the twisties after feeling pressure at the 2015 world championships, where she won four golds.

“[Three months after the 2015 world championships] Simone couldn’t twist – on basically anything,” Boorman writes. “… [She] would physically stop herself from twisting during her routines because she was afraid of getting lost in the air. Simone would never crash; she would just stop herself before ever attempting a twist.”

Boorman said she did not want to rush Biles back into attempting twists but the gymnast eventually regained her ability to do so in time for the 2016 Olympic trials after talking with her family and therapist.

“Thankfully the twisties had passed without injury,” Boorman writes, “and in the process, we demonstrated that an elite gymnast can avoid training elements for weeks without losing their skills.”

Biles has not publicly commented on Boorman’s claims but wrote the foreword to the new book.

Biles did not appear to have any issues with the twisties at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where she won three golds. The 28-year-old has 11 Olympic medals and 30 from the world championships, making her the most decorated gymnast in history.She has not ruledout competing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

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Source: The Guardian