Everything You Need to Know About the Simone Biles Controversy

Is there more to it than what we already know?

by BRITNEY KIRWAN ★ JULY 31, 2021

This past week, gymnastics superstar Simone Biles withdrew from both the Team Final and Individual All-Around Final at the Tokyo Olympics. Since, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding her decision. After one vault rotation at Team Finals last Tuesday, Biles spoke to the media to explain that she withdrew to focus on her mental well-being. USA Gymnastics said in a statement last Wednesday that “We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many” (We definitely agree!!). 

Biles has faced a tremendous amount of backlash for her decision to not compete, however, she has not let anyone else’s opinions get in the way of her prioritizing her mental health (...as she should!). She has openly shared that competing at the Olympics, she constantly feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. It seems that this undoubtedly insane amount of pressure affected her vaulting during the Team Finals. She lost herself in mid-air doing 1 ½ twists when she was supposed to do 2 ½ twists. This is a phenomenon in gymnastics known as the “twisties.” It is described as a feeling of being “lost in the air,” where gymnasts lose their sense of space and dimension. This loss of control can result in very serious injuries and keep athletes from competing to the best of their ability. Scary!!

She even consulted with the  U.S. team doctor, Marcia Faustin, before making the decision not to compete. She hugged all of her teammates and went from being a gymnast to a cheerleader by supporting Team USA for the rest of the competition. The U.S. ended up winning Silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee. Team member Jade Carey was able to fill in and compete in place of Simone, giving her the opportunity to shine. This also left the door wide open for the title of Individual All-Around Champion to be given to another gymnast. Her withdrawal ended up working out in Team USA’s favor as gymnast Sunisa Lee won gold and earned the title of Individual All-around champion. She is the first Asian-American to earn the title and has now become the gymnast to beat (So proud!).

*Update: As of yesterday, Simone has also chosen to withdraw from the Vault and Uneven bar finals. She will be replaced by Myckayla Skinner, another gymnast on Team USA, in this Sunday’s competition for Vault while Sunisa Lee will be the only member of the team to compete on the uneven bars. USA Gymnastics said in a statement,” She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam”. *fingers crossed*

We all wish the best for Simone no matter what decision is made and can’t wait to see the outcome of how Team USA competes in the final events. USA! USA!