?Didn?t Wanna Disappoint ?: With World Championships Inching Closer, Gymnastics’ Rising Star Drops a Heartfelt?Confession

Victory is sweet. But it is sweeter when earned together. Simone Biles is probably the best example of it at the moment. As the Worlds Team is set, the legend sits atop the table with a fabulous 55.700. But being a legend brings along responsibility. Responsibility to nurture the future generation. Simone and her family have been successfully shouldering this responsibility through their artistic gymnastics academy, the World Champions’ Centre. And it has started showing its flares. Alongside Simone, a 17-year-old gymnast from this stable also made it to the Worlds Team.

The gymnast who is the youngest member of the Worlds Team, ironically, has also faced the pain of “Twisties” just like Simone Biles. And it was the GOAT, whom she turned to seeking support. In a post-event interview from the arena of the selection camp, she opened up on that episode. Alongside, the world was also touched by her allegiance toward the people who are the building blocks of her success.

Roberson’s gymnastics boost at the gym

Joscelyn Roberson was brought to the World Champions’ Centre by her mother. Apart from training beside Simone Biles, the teenager felt a different boost in confidence with Laurent and Cecile Landi as her guiding light. At the completion of Day 2, the Texarkana-born gymnast ecstatically voiced her emotions for her coaches.

Shedding light on her participation at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, she said, “Honestly, when I moved to WCC last year, this was the main goal”. She also added that nothing was paying off a year ago until she moved in close touch with Biles and other gymnasts at the gym. Asserting that her weakness was double-double, Roberson didn’t shy away from opening up about her tough days. “Usually after I tried it for the first time, I’m like, okay, I’m not gonna kill myself. I just didn’t wanna disappoint Cecile and Laurent.” Showcasing her prowess on the mat, Joscelyn proved herself to be the never-give-up-kind.

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If Simone could do it, Cecile and Laurent showed confidence in the budding gymnast, too. Moreover, there’s another similarity between Biles and Roberson.

Mental block led to a successful gymnastics career

Besides sharing a camaraderie at the gym, Simone had posed as Joscelyn’s biggest mental support. The teenager faced the same ‘twisties’ as Simone did during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Portraying unwavering spirit and determination, the former spoke about her problems openly. The condition is common among gymnasts, where losing balance between mind and body is the key symptom. Referring to Biles and her conversation, she said, ?We?ve talked about the twisties a lot because I?ve gotten them countless times.” Undoubtedly, Biles was the best resort for her, providing warmth and a comfortable space.

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Roberson also recalled how Biles aligned the teenager’s problem with her own. Went on to say, ?She was just telling me how it was the weirdest feeling and how she didn?t feel in control of her body. I was like, ?I know exactly what you?re talking about.? Competing alongside legends like Jordan Chiles, Skye Blakely and Simone Biles, the youngest member looks hopeful for the month-end championships.