When Simone Biles got a case of the “twisties,” nobody knew if she would compete during the 2020 Olympics. Her teammates stepped up and filled in for her, in some cases taking home gold. Throughout the competition, Biles has been seen cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.

According to USA Gymnastics, Biles was being evaluated every day, and the decision about whether or not she would compete was a day by day decision. Today, the decision is that she will compete in the balance beam finals.

We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow – Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!

— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 2, 2021

 

Some people have criticized Biles for deciding not to compete and claiming it’s due to mental health. Other people defended her, explaining what she’s experiencing is called the “twisties,” which is a term gymnasts use to describe a sense of being lost in the air. Considering Olympic gymnasts perform many skills that involve twisting in the air, if a gymnast has the twisties it can be very dangerous because she may not land on her feet.

Biles explained in an Instagram post, “Honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind & body in sync. 10/10 do not recommend.” She added, “I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface. Sometimes I can’t even fathom twisting. I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist.”

On Twitter, some followers are concerned about Biles, worried that she’s returning to competition too soon and that she’s only deciding to compete because she feels pressure to do so.

Certainly hope this isn’t from pressure by an ignorant, criticizing public that have never stood where she’s at Or experienced what she’s feeling. She could be paralyzed with one wrong move where her body and mind aren’t one. Shame on all of you. Wish her all the best safely.

— Julze (@julze911) August 2, 2021

 

Others explain that balance beam involves less twisting and is probably a safer event for her right now.

beam doesn’t have as many twisting elements as the other apparatus does, less likely to cause the twisties she has spoken about. if you suffer with your mental health you will know that it isn’t linear, some days are great, some days are bad.

— em (@swiftscheetah) August 2, 2021

Are you surprised that Simone Biles will be competing on the balance beam at the Tokyo Olympics? Do you think it’s safe for her to compete? Do you think she might change her mind? Do you think she will win gold?