Simone Biles shocked the world when she withdrew from the team competition at the Tokyo Olympics.This sudden decision sparked a widespread conversation. Biles had already been open about her mental health struggles, but it was a sudden onset of “twisties” that forced her to step back. She said her “mind and body were not in sync,” which could have posed a risk to Team USA’s success. An outpouring of support from celebrities followed her decision. But, it was Justin Bieber who very well understood and related to Biles’s mental health decision.

By 2019, Biles had already created her status as the most decorated gymnast in world championship history. At the world championships in Stuggart, Germany, she clinched five out of six gold medals, bringing her collection to a staggering 25 medals. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw the world into chaos just months later. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics for a year significantly impacted Biles’s mental well-being. As the world watched this difficult decision unfold Pop icon Justin Bieber was among the first to show his support.

After her withdrawal, Bieber openly supported Biles, expressing his admiration for her choice to prioritize her mental health. On July 28, 2021, a day after her announcement, the singer posted a heartfelt message on Instagram along with a picture of Biles. “Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face! I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul. Sometimes our no’s are more powerful than our yes’s. When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why. People thought I was crazy for not finishing the Purpose Tour, but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!! So proud of you @simonebiles,” Bieber wrote.

These words resonated deeply, especially when he was struggling with mental health on his own as well. In July 2017, Bieber took the difficult decision to cancel his Purpose World Tour to focus on his well-being. However, Bieber wasn’t the only one to stand with Simone Biles. Legendary artist and Grammy winner Janet Jackson also applauded the Ohio native’s brave move “If no one else will put you first, YOU put you first. A big shout-out to this woman @simonebiles who wasn’t afraid to do that. Super proud of you,”.

Biles had been a favorite to win gold in the finals, and her withdrawal from Tokyo was a monumental decision. She has won every individual All-Around competition since 2013 and secured four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, the immense support from fans and public figures helped her navigate the intense scrutiny. Biles later expressed his gratitude for the love and support she received, showing the world that strength is not only about physical prowess but also about the courage to protect one’s well-being.

Simone Biles’s reason for 2021 Olympic withdrawal explained

Two years after the shocking exit, American gymnast Simone Biles returned to the Olympic scene with gold in her sights. After pulling out of several events in Tokyo and questioning if she would ever compete again, Biles was back and now she boasts 11 Olympic medals, adding to her 30 World Championship titles. Her withdrawal in 2021 was largely due to “twisties”. For gymnasts, “twisties” are bad news- it is a dangerous condition in which gymnasts lose their spatial awareness while in mid-air, leading to serious injuries. Other gymnasts, like Laurie Hernandez and Aleaj Finnegan, have also spoken about experiencing this condition during their careers.

During the Tokyo 2020 Games, Biles was attempting to do a 2.5 twist but ended up executing only a 1.5 twist leaving her feeling completely “lost in the air.” “I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on a hard/competition surface,” she explained in 2021. The “twisties” remain a relatively understudied phenomenon, and it received widespread recognition only after Biles publicly shared her struggle with it. At the time, she described it to Olympics.com as “forgetting how to twist and flip.”

The Associated Press also reported that two-time Olympic gold medalist Rosie MacLennan of Canada struggled with her version of the “twisties” while preparing for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Similar struggles have been documented in other sports as well. In golf, baseball, and basketball, athletes have described dealing with “the yips,” a mental block that hinders performance.

Biles’ honesty about the dangers of the “twisties” and the importance of prioritizing well-being set a new precedent for athletes worldwide. By successfully returning to the competition, the 27-year-old has not only reaffirmed her legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time but also reinforced the importance of mental health advocacy in sports. By openly discussing her struggles and taking necessary steps for her well-being, the Olympic champion has paved the way for future athletes to do the same without fear of judgment.