Simone Biles Shuts Down Critics After Event Exits, Opens Up About Battling Twisties | PEOPLE

Simone Biles is opening up about her mental health struggles, specifically feeling "lost in the air" during routines.

On Thursday, the gymnast, 24, shared clips of her at practice in Tokyo. Biles' videos were also captioned with her response to those who believe she "quit" the Olympics when she chose to withdraw from the team all-around final after her first apparatus and declined to compete in the individual all-around last night.

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Simone Biles Shuts Down Critics After Event Exits, Opens Up About Battling Twisties | PEOPLE

[ginagiannini]

For me, the most important part is summed up her statement, "I don't think you realize how dangerous this is . . . " I have often watched her breathtaking routines with a combination of awe and concern -- that if she made the slightest wrong move, she could end up with a catastrophic injury. I am so glad that she had the wisdom to recognize immediately that something was off, as well as the humility to step aside. She also had confidence in her teammates, who are rising to the challenge. She deserves our continued love and support.

[sandramorey]

It's because of Simone that we now know about Twisties. I'd never heard of them. Thanks to Simone, we are being educated. Do your best at whatever you take on next. Love from Oakland CA 2021

[DoctorZisIN]

This is like a car driver crashing and the haters demanding that he finish the race on foot, or he's a "quitter".

[arthyland]

Simone is not only an Olympian, she is a leader. She recognized a major problem within herself and took evasive action for survival. Why do I say survival you ask? There was a young woman, a gymnast, that lost her life during a routine after what can only be described as " being lost in the air" They say that the cause of her accident was most likely caused by " The Twisties" .... if your head is not in the game, the ending can be devastating.
Simone did the right thing, she didn't quit, she prevented a potential serious accident.
I'm not a gymnast, but I can see where she is coming from.
I don't know her personally but I can tell you that I am proud of her.

[bckalaw]

I can't even imagine. I get twisties just from twirling a couple times on the even Honestly though it's not shocking to hear about this, and that many many many gymnasts have had this condition as well. This is a sport, and after doing it for so long, I completely and totally believe that condition can come about to anyone.

[heatherlynsey]

I’m glad she didn’t go out there and go against her gut. Had she, the outcome could’ve been horrific or even tragic with the wrong move/landing. She’s already the greatest, she’s got nothing to prove to anyone.

[icarrusu]

Gymnastics is the most dangerous sport.

[JohnSmith-tddn]

If she continued and hurt or killed herself all the creeps would say well if she was sick why was she out there. When it comes to mean disgusting people you can't win. Take care of yourself and ignore the noise. It may not be the pressure. She may be suffering from one of the many forms of vertigo. She will work it out.

I hope she knows a few billion of us love her.

[rubym]

Twisties is why I had to stop tumbling after being second in the nation in my late teens - it’s real and injuries can happen too easily

[marcie]

She is such a wonder brave heart❤️💜❤️💜. Love that Simone and she has the courage of a thousand gymnast!

[melanieyu]

Bryony Page is a trampolinist who one day just started to lose her skills. Like one by one, she just kept losing skills and she had to essentially train again from the beginning. She ended up getting her skills back and won a silver in Rio. The brain is weird.

[sallyhuntsman]

Holy heck this has been so considerate of her to step back to prevent injuries to herself and not compromise the team. Kudos to her. I am sure she would not have liked this to happen and she was brave to face it.

[butchcassidy]

I wish people would just leave her alone. She is the greatest gymnast we have every had. She did for her team and country to have the best chance to win a medal. And boy, did those other three step up. So proud of them. We should be talking about them and how they pulled together to show the world how good they were.

[hermitlifeinthemountainsub]

Poor babygirl feeling she has to defend herself. Those of us who are not ignorant of what she is going through understand. I love you Simone!

[jesme]

No need to explain yourself to haters. Majority of these critics can barely land a simple cartwheel.

[k.thomaz]

Simone You Don't Owe Anyone Anything You Owe It To Yourself To Be The Be The Best Version of Yourself You Can Be Physically & MENTALLY

[laurenrickman]

I don’t think what Simone did makes her a hero or a villain, just a human. I do not think it is healthy for anyone do have so many titles (whether positive or negative) attached to their name. I hope the media, fans, and critics can give her some space. Also, I hope that someone close to her can advise her to stay off social media. I am proud of all the gymnasts (team, individualists, specialists, and etc.). You are all very talented and contribute so much to your sport. Lastly, to USAG... You need to step up for these young men and woman. You have failed them in the past and the people are now watching you VERY closely.

[dnite]

true if you are not mental ok you will lak of sleep and if you are tired... you are losing time and space awarness... when you fleeping in the aire it's very important to be in control to avoid injury... from skateboard pro.

[catblue]

I’m just glad Simone is smart enough to realize it could lead to a devastating injury. It’s just not her time. No explanation needed.

[karenmariesmith]

I'd like to see everyone who had been complaining do what she does for your entertainment btw..be safe Simone...we love you.