Simone Biles Says ‘I’m Still Scared To Do Gymnastics’

Simone Biles has opened up again about her mental health, weeks after competing in the Tokyo Olympics during which Biles first disclosed her mental health struggles.

On Thursday morning, Biles gave an emotional interview on NBC’s Today Show. Biles said she is still struggling with the “twisties” as she performs on her Gold Over America Tour. The twisties is a mental block where competitors can lose track of where they are while in midair.

“I don’t twist (on tour). I do double lay half-outs, which is my signature move on the floor. That’s never affected me. But everything else weighs so heavy, and I watch the girls do it, and it’s not the same,” said Biles. “But the twisting, once I got back, will come back. But I’m still scared to do gymnastics.”

Biles, 24, who has won seven Olympic medals, including four golds, has battled with mental health issues and the unexpected loss of a family member during the Summer Games. However, some of that stress might have come from the ongoing criminal case of former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar. Biles had testified a month ago before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the FBI’s handling of sexual abuse claims.

Biles, alongside McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman, all victims of abuse by Nassar, focused on how the FBI botched its investigation and the intimidation they felt from the sport’s governing bodies.

“For so many years to go through everything that I’ve gone through, put on a front, I’m proud of myself, and I’m happy that I can be a leader for the survivors and bring courage to everybody speaking up, so I’m happy to be a voice for them,” Biles said on Today.

Biles also commented on withdrawing from the competition during the Olympic team’s final and then withdrawing ahead of the all-around final and all individual events. 

“To do something that I’ve done forever and just not be able to do it because of everything I’ve gone through is really crazy, because I love this sport so much. It’s hard, I’m sorry. And I don’t think people understand the magnitude of what I go through,” Biles said.

Biles continues to attend therapy sessions and takes walks outside to help with the stress.