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?All I Had?: Surviving Twisties and Trauma, Simone Biles Breaks Silence on Her Coping Mechanism in Recent Update

Oct 15, 2023 | 11:24 AM EDT

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Simone Biles is an exemplar of phenomenal skill and resilience in the gymnastics world. When discussing her extraordinary journey one cannot miss her close ones unflinching support through the highs and lows of her gymnastics career. Back when Biles withdrew from several events due to a mental block called ‘twisties’ in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the gymnast faced communal disapproval. Later she stirred a global conversation on mental health stating, “We(athletes) also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too.”

The unwavering support came from limited places as the gymnastics community was taken aback despite the milestones throughout her decade-long elite career. Just last week Biles became the most decorated American gymnast winning the hearts of millions of people across the world. Fresh off the victorious sixth-time return to the Worlds event, the seven-time Olympic medalist revealed the pillars of strength during her setback.

Simone Biles talks about her constant cheerleaders

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Biles has always underlined the significant influence of her family’s support on her athletic career, from her first days in the gym to her climb to international fame. After taking five medals including four golds at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship in Antwerp, Belgium, the post-wrap-up shoutout was no different. In a Facebook post seemingly added by a fan page named “Queen Simone Biles,” the post was captioned, “When Simone biles took break in Tokyo in 2020, she did not have her gymnastics with her.”

While Biles’s statement read, “They’ve been amazing just to keep my mind off gymnastics,” speaking about the time off the mats.?The reigning all-around continued, “Because for a couple of years, whenever I wasn’t in the sport, that’s kind of all I had.”

Speaking about spending quality time with her family she said, “We got to hang out, have fun, and just like be normal adults.” The FB caption ended with a powerful note that read, “And now she is back with her golden wings. Family support can take you to great heights.”

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All the while as Biles stayed connected to the sport, some things remained constant; her exceptional skill set, finding solace in her parents despite the odds, and her podium finishes. Few people are aware that the gymnast returned to the venue for her balance beam final earning a bronze medal. The internet showed its ugly side during the difficult period two years ago even labeling her a “quitter”. Despite the backlash, her comeback was resilient, triumphant all of that while Biles remained humble issuing sincere gratitude recently.

Simone Biles pens heartfelt note

After returning to the sport, Biles, 26, who has competed in two Olympic Games and six world championships, appeared as powerful as ever. She hauled five medals at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Belgium, which set a new most combined Worlds and Olympics victories with 34 podium finishes. Biles penned a gratitude note on Instagram saying, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to fans, friends, family & partnerships who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout my mental health journey.”?

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“World Championships was an absolute dream & I still can’t believe it,” she added. Returning to the star-studded venue where she made her Worlds debut, Biles advanced over 2022 Worlds gold and silver all-around finishers to claim her coveted title once again. Now on the run to continue her winning streak at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles’s portfolio weighs more than every gymnast entering the gymnastics venue.

Watch this story?With Apprehension for Paris Olympics in Air, Simone Biles Takes Her Next Steps After an Unreal Comeback