In a recent reflection, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles addressed the ongoing misconceptions surrounding her return to gymnastics following her struggles at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite leaving Tokyo with a team silver and an individual bronze on the balance beam, Biles’ journey back was far more complex than it may have appeared to the public.
Biles, who had long been celebrated for her remarkable prowess in gymnastics, faced a significant challenge known as the ‘twisties’—a mental block that disrupted her ability to perform her routines safely. After stepping away from the competitive scene, her journey to regain her confidence and skills was a gradual process rather than an instantaneous recovery. “It was a process of a couple of years,” she shared, highlighting the sustained effort and daily commitment needed to return to top form.
Even as she achieved success once again, claiming three golds and one silver medal in Paris, memories of her past challenges lingered. “Every time I would do some of those same movements, it was a repeat in my brain of what could go wrong or what just happened at the Olympic Games,” Biles explained, shedding light on the mental hurdles athletes often face.
Biles recently extended her support to fellow gymnast Ilia Malinin, who found himself struggling in the standings during the Milano competition. After witnessing his challenges, she quickly reached out to him, emphasizing the importance of validation and understanding among athletes. She said, “It was really heartbreaking,” when reflecting on Malinin’s difficulties.
Their meeting in Milano aimed to underscore a vital message: even in the face of setbacks, it is possible to overcome and thrive. “Just for someone to validate his feelings and to know we’ve gone through the same things, but you can still come out on top,” Biles shared as she emphasized the significance of their dialogue.
In their conversation, Biles offered insight into handling pressure and moving past setbacks, and Malinin resonated with her words. Biles noted, “He was like, ‘Exactly this. Exactly’. He was like, ‘You finally just said it.’” For Biles, this acknowledgment is crucial, as it can often be challenging for athletes to voice their struggles. Through their exchange, Biles hopes that her experience fosters encouragement and understanding for Malinin during a difficult time.
The instance serves as a reminder that elite athletes often share similar battles, and through supportive conversations and empathy, they can inspire one another toward resilience and eventual triumph.