The road to glory wasn’t easy, even for gymnastics phenom Simone Biles. But apart from generational talent and hard work, what makes her greatest is her unmatched resilience.

In the 2020 Tokyo Games, Biles entered the competition as a favorite but soon had to withdraw from several individual events. On vault, one of her strongest events, Biles sensed something was wrong. But the twisties hadn't fully struck yet

"It randomly started happening after the prelims competition, the VERY next morning," she wrote on her Instagram stories in 2021, explaining the notorious twisties she had. “By that time, no alternative was allowed to be placed in my position for you 'know-it-alls.'”

The twisties, explained by Jamie Shapiro, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Denver, is a brain-body disconnection. This condition results in “a loss of a sense of control over the movement," she told Health in a 2026 updated article. And Biles explained the same in 2021.

"Literally cannot tell up from down. It's the craziest feeling ever,” she wrote. “Not having an inch of control over your body. What's even scarier is since I have no idea where I am in the air, I also have NO idea how I am going to land. Or what I am going to land on. Head/hands/feet back…”

Biles understood no amount of practice could fix the twisties. She had to sit out. While that action led to backlash, she knew what it could have cost her team.

Why Simone Biles Withdrawal Was the Right Call

Many called her a quitter, criticizing her decision to prioritize her physical and mental health over medals. However, not only did Biles stand firm on her call, but she also reasoned why staying put was the best decision at that time.

"We have 4 on a team for a reason, I chose not to continue team competition in jeopardizing losing a medal (of any color) for the girls/US,” she continued on the same Instagram stories in 2021. “I didn't have a bad performance and quit… I simply got so lost my safety was at risk as well as a team medal."

After Biles’ withdrawal, US gymnast Sunisa Lee won individual all-around gold, team silver and uneven bars’ bronze home while Jordan Chiles contributed to the team silver. And behind all of it was Biles’ constant support.

The step-back didn’t just safeguard her health, but also inspired the team to make a medal-winning run freely.

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Written by

Deblina Roy