[EXCLUSIVE] Simone Biles’ Choreographer Details Gymnast’s Overcoming Dreaded Twisties Trauma

With 37 combined world and Olympic gold medals, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, shocked the world when she abruptly bailed on her vault routine and landed awkwardly, leading to her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics. The cause was the twisties, a mental block affecting spatial awareness. Her brave decision ignited a crucial global conversation about athletes’ mental health and the overwhelming pressures they endure. However, in 2023, she made a triumphant comeback with high spirits, performing as if she had never been away. But do you know how she overcame the dreaded twisties?

Recently, in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Gregory Milan – who is currently choreographing Simone Biles for Paris 2024—shared insights on how Biles overcame the twisties to make a stunning comeback. When the host Mahalaxmi Murali asked Gregory Milan, “Simone is one of the few athletes who spoke openly about her mental health issues during the Tokyo Olympics. You accompanied her in her healing journey. Can you tell us how she overcame the horrible trauma of twisties to dominate the gym again?” Milan initially hesitated, reflecting on the complexity of Biles’ experience. He responded, “You know, it’s difficult for me to talk about Simone on this topic because I don’t know her well enough to talk about that. But in the difficulty and horror that Simone and the other American gymnasts experienced, as well.”

Milan continued, emphasizing Biles’ remarkable resilience. “And it’s hard to say, but I think she had to fight and it made her even stronger. And today, I think she is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn’t want. And I think Simone now won’t let herself be told what to do anymore. I think she has so much strength in her and so much rage in her that no one can tell her what to do anymore.”

He further added, “I think now the only one who makes her decisions and knows what she wants is Simone. And I also think, but I say I think, I think Simone has an incredible strength in her. And I think she is capable of surprising us even more with that strength.” Milan’s words underscore the fierce determination and autonomy that have become hallmarks of Biles’ comeback, setting the stage for her continued success and potential surprises at Paris 2024. But when Biles came back in 2023 US classics that was the awe moment.

Biles’ return to competition after Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles made a triumphant return to gymnastics at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, dazzling the audience with victories in the all-around, floor exercise, and beam, alongside a bronze on the uneven bars. From her solid performance on the uneven bars to the thrilling floor routine, Biles showcased unwavering precision and confidence, culminating in a breathtaking Yurchenko double pike on vault, earning her the highest score of the night. She also secured a winning all-around score of 59.100, amidst a roaring crowd of 7,200, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. It was undoubtedly a strong comeback.

This year, Biles again has been dominating every championship, including the U.S. Classics and Xfinity, showcasing her strength and resilience. As she continues to excel, she will likely secure her place at the Paris Olympics, ready to once again demonstrate her unparalleled talent and determination.