Simone Biles recalls fearing the worst after suffering ‘twisties’ in 2020 Olympics: ‘America hates me’

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Simone Biles, among the most recognizable U.S. Olympic athletes, opened up in a recent interview about the pressure she faced going into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and how a bad bout of the "twisties" contributed to her eventually withdrawing from competition. 

Biles explained during Wednesday’s episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that she was suffering from the "twisties," a term in gymnastics that generally refers to as a "disconnect between the mind and body," long before her infamous vault routine in the team final in 2021. 

Simone Biles warms up before the U.S. Gymnastics Championships Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in San Jose, Calif.  (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

"In training, I was having twisties already, but I’m trying to push past that, and I would literally tell my teammates, ‘I’m fighting demons. I’m fighting demons right now, but I’m going to do it for you guys.’ Because the cords were not connected." 

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Biles explained that it felt like her body and mind were "fighting," but she had no choice. 

"I knew once I got up there — I’m chalking up — we can’t put Jordan [Chiles] in yet. I have to go. I have to put up a score. No matter what it is over the table, I have to put up a score."

Biles underperformed. She lost herself midair and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play and being replaced by Chiles. 

Simone Biles of Team United States stumbles upon landing after competing in vault during the Women's Team Final on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on