Current:Home > reviewsSurpassing:Simone Biles thought 'world is going to hate me' after she left team final at Tokyo Games -StockSource
Surpassing:Simone Biles thought 'world is going to hate me' after she left team final at Tokyo Games
Benjamin Ashford View
Date:2025-04-07 23:04:43
Decorated gymnast Simone Biles thought "the world is Surpassinggoing to hate me" when she withdrew from the team final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after experiencing the "twisties."
The four-time Olympic gold medalist revealed what was going through her mind in the 2020 Summer Olympics on an episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast posted on Wednesday. When she realized she had the "twisties," best described as when a gymnast can't comprehend what their body is trying to do and is unable to execute moves, Biles thought she would be heavily criticized by her home country.
"If I could have got on a plane and flown home, I would have done it," Biles said. "As soon as I landed (the vault), I was like, 'Oh, America hates me.' The world is going to hate me. And I can only see what they're saying on Twitter right now. That was my first thought.
"I thought I was gonna be banned from America. Because that's what they tell you; don't come back. If it's not gold, gold or bust, don't come back."
Biles was replaced by Jordan Chiles in the team event, where the U.S. won silver. Biles won the bronze medal in the balance beam before stepping away from gymnastics for a time. She also detailed what it's like to experience the "twisties," comparing them to the "yips" in baseball or suddenly forgetting how to drive a car.
"It's basically like your mind and your body is at a disconnect. Your body is going to try to do something and your mind is going to be like, 'No, you're not doing this,' " Biles said. "You've been doing something for so long, and you now no longer have control.
"I go to tell my coach, and I said 'I'm done. I'm not doing any more.' Because if I survive that, I don't know how much else I can survive."
Biles has returned to excellence in gymnastics. In October, Biles won her 33rd medal at the world championships and Olympics, tying Vitaly Scherbo for most by any gymnast, and she will be going for more at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
veryGood! (344)
Related
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Ex-Jaguars worker who stole $22M from team sues FanDuel, saying it preyed on his gambling addiction
- Helene is already one of the deadliest, costliest storms to hit the US: Where it ranks
- Dating today is a dumpster fire. Here’s a guide to viral toxic terms.
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Is the food in the fridge still good? California wants to end the guessing game
- Woman who lost husband and son uses probate process to obtain gunman’s records
- RHONY's Brynn Whitfield Shares Baby Plans and Exact Motherhood Timeline
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- A chemical cloud moving around Atlanta’s suburbs prompts a new shelter-in-place alert
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Late payments to nonprofits hamper California’s fight against homelessness
- Abortion pills will be controlled substances in Louisiana soon. Doctors have concerns
- Kentucky lawman steps down as sheriff of the county where he’s accused of killing a judge
- Small twin
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Full of Beans
- Wendy Williams Says It’s About Time for Sean Diddy Combs' Arrest
- MLB playoffs: Who are the umpires for every AL and NL Wild Card series?
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
All-season vs. winter tires: What’s the difference?
How Halloweentown’s Kimberly J. Brown and Costar Daniel Kountz Honored the Movie at Their Wedding
Man destroys autographed Taylor Swift guitar he won at charity auction
Could your smelly farts help science?
Social media star MrBallen talks new book, Navy SEALs, mental health
Cleveland Browns rookie DT Mike Hall Jr. suspended five games following August arrest
Travis Kelce Shows Off His Hosting Skills in Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Trailer