Simone Biles has surpassed Shannon Miller as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast; here's what she attributes to her achievements.
Therapy is what Simone Biles attributes her return to the Olympics this year.
With eight Olympic medals, Biles is now the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast in history. She attributes her success to consistent mental health support.
"Seeing my therapist every Thursday is a religious practice for me because I'm in a good mental state. That's why I'm here today," Biles stated in an interview with NBC News last month.
Biles faced challenges on the path to victory in gymnastics. She withdrew from the competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns three years ago.
She later revealed that she was going through what gymnasts call "the twisties," a term used to describe a psychological disconnection between a gymnast's mind and body during twists, even though it's not an official medical diagnosis.
The consequences of twisting can range from not twisting enough to twisting too much, and landing or falling in a manner that may result in injury.
At the 2020 Olympics, Biles completed an Amanar vault but instead of the usual 2.5 twists, she turned 1.5. Onlookers noticed that she appeared disoriented during the twist.
"I need to prioritize my mental well-being," Biles admitted after withdrawing from the Olympics in 2021. "I'm not as confident in myself as before."
Biles regained her trust by practicing on soft surfaces and in ball pits, which she shared on Instagram. She trained intensely for the Paris Olympics but would sometimes feel defeated after experiencing the twisties again, as she told NBC.
She didn't give up because she didn't want to look back in 10 years and regret not trying, as she told NBC.
Biles continued to practice and attend therapy sessions, eventually becoming more attuned to her body as she performed. On Tuesday, the USA gymnastics team won gold in the women's team final, and Biles made history.
"In her Netflix documentary, "Simone Biles Rising," Biles stated, "I always rise to the occasion, even after experiencing traumas and downfalls.""
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