?Actually Terrified?: Despite Acing Her Comeback Simone Biles Unveils Her Fear of Competition Days Before World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

The year was 2021, and gymnastics fans and enthusiasts were awaiting a spectacle at the Tokyo Olympics. However, shockwaves rippled through the sports community when the legendary Simone Biles announced her withdrawal from not only the individual all-around but also the vault, uneven bars, and floor finals. Biles cited her relentless struggle with a mental phenomenon known as the “Twisties,” a mysterious mental block that can disorient even the most seasoned athletes. Following her withdrawal, she took a hiatus from the sport, and fans wondered and waited for a glimmer of hope on her return.

Two years later, on August 5, she stepped onto the podium at Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and the crowd roared in joy at seeing the queen of gymnastics back to rule. And that?s exactly what she has done this past 2023 season. First, she conquered the Core Hydration Classic. Next, she won her historic 8th National Title at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Then, at the U.S. Women?s World Championships Selection Event she secured her ticket to the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, which is the very place where her remarkable journey began. As she takes on the world stage for the sixth time, she shares the fears and challenges that haunted her in 2021.

Simone Biles opens up about the daunting fears

In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Simone Biles candidly opened up about her awe-inspiring return to the competitive arena. She revealed that moments in the gym this year were fraught with fear, saying, “I didn?t know if I was ever going to be able to compete again because there were multiple times this year where I was in the gym and I was like, ?I?m actually terrified of this full-in, like I?m not doing it again, never going to do it”. Yet, within the crucible of struggle, Simone Biles discovered the will to push through.

Acknowledging the vital role played by her fellow gymnasts and coaching team at the World Champions Centre, Biles found comfort and support, refusing to give up. She reflected, saying that she knew that she had come to a point where she knew that even if she walked away from the sport, she could always come back knowing she could perform her signature moves like a full-in, a double-double, or a triple-double, and she would still be great at it. Returning to Antwerp, Belgium, where her journey began, she carries this legacy of resilience and passion. Along with Biles, is Team USA, as they await with much anticipation the World Gymnastics Championships

Team USA ready to take on the World

Simone Biles heads to the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships, where at the same place a decade ago, in 2013, a young 16-year-old Biles made her championship debut. Now, she returns as the greatest gymnast of all time, holding five World Championship titles.

She is joined by her team, Team USA, which consists of Shilese Jones, Leanne Wong, Skye Blakely, Joscelyn Roberson, and Kayla DiCello as the traveling alternate. These formidable women are ready to take on the world.

Read more: Simone Biles? Yurchenko Double Pike Vault Controversy Explained

Just days ago Biles shared glimpses of her arrival and stay at the host city, Belgium. Fans wait in anticipation, hoping Queen Biles will bring home her sixth world title.

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