After attempting her first skill at the women’s gymnastics team event,
Simone Biles knew something was wrong. The 24-year-old gymnastics champion had attempted 2 ½ twisting vault but soon withdrew from the team events and later the all-arounds, citing issues with her mental health.
Biles told reporters that she “had no idea where I was in the air” and that she was “having a little bit of the twisties.”
The “twisties” is a condition that is well-known in the gymnastics world but those of us who aren’t four-time Olympic gold medalists like Biles may not be familiar with what it is or how serious it can be.