What really pushed Simone Biles to step back at the Tokyo Olympics wasn’t failure, but pressure no one could see. That moment shifted everything she thought about competing and control. And now, Simone Biles opens up about her Tokyo Olympics experience. 

In the interview, the conversation between Simone Biles and CNN Sports host Amanda Davies during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid shifted to the Tokyo Olympics 2021. 

When asked about how she viewed what happened in Tokyo now, Biles said that it was "a real pivotal moment" for her, and that she thought it was “very good globally to have that conversation on the topic of mental health.” 

“Other than that, I feel like it showed realness to me because everyone thought I was a robot. She’s not real. But it’s just like down to the core, I’m like, ‘Guys, I am real.’ There’s rawness to it,” she told CNN.

“But most importantly, it got me the therapy that I deserved, and I’m still currently in therapy. And now I look at it as being courageous and not so much a weakness, which before that was not the case,” Biles added. 

A 29-year-old gymnast, Simone Biles, has won 7 Olympic medals, including 4 golds across vault, floor exercise, balance beam, and team events. She has also built a record-breaking legacy at the World Championships, earning 30+ medals across events such as floor exercise, all-around, and vault. This record makes her the most decorated gymnast in history.

At the Tokyo Olympics 2021, Simone Biles stepped back from multiple events after experiencing the “twisties,” a mental block affecting her awareness during routines, one of the most talked-about moments of her career.

From her journey in gymnastics to a possible LA 2028 return, Simone Biles continues to focus on mental health alongside performance. 

Simone Biles’ Road to the 2028 Olympics 

Simone Biles spoke about her possible return to the 2028 Olympic stage during an interview with CNN Sports host Amanda Davies at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where she was asked about her future in the sport and her view of the road ahead to Los Angeles 2028.

In response, she said, “I feel like we’re still at a 50-50.” adding, “Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape.”

“I can get myself in shape. We believe in that ability. We’re really thankful that I’m still healthy. But mental is a huge thing, and it’s a lot of dedication to that, because the road’s not easy. It’s long, but it’s still work,” she further added.

Currently, she is taking a break from gymnastics after the 2024 Paris Olympics to focus on recovery. 

Still, questions remain about Simone Biles’ future. Will she make a comeback for the 2028 Olympics, or is this the point where her journey in gymnastics starts to come to an end? Let us know your thoughts on this.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi