Simone Biles Admits She's 'Still Scared' To Do Air Tricks: 'I Don't Think People Understand The Magnitude Of What I Go Through'
This summer, Simone Biles pulled out of the majority of the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health after experiencing the "twisties," a dangerous phenomenon in which your mind and body don't connect.
And while the gymnast is currently feeling better as she embarks on the Gold Over America Tour, she still isn't back to her old self.
In fact, during the athletic road show, the 24-year-old has yet to do any twisting in the air.
"I don't twist," she revealed on Today. "I do my signature moves on the floor, but that's never affected me."
"To do something that I've done forever and just not be able to do it because of everything I've gone through is really crazy because I love this sport so much," the superstar explained as she teared up. "It's hard. I'm sorry. And I don't think people understand the magnitude of what I go through, but for so many years to go through everything that I've gone through having a front, I'm proud of myself."
Biles is referring to the case against former team doctor Larry Nassar, who was accused by Biles and her teammates of sexual abuse.
"To go through something like that and to be a voice for all of the survivors and people who want to come forward and talk about their stories, it's really inspiring," the athlete shared. "But it's hard that I have to go through it, because again, people form their own opinions and I don't really get to say what's going on.”
"The twisting once I got back will come back, but I’m still scared to do gymnastics," she admitted.
To try and work through her problems, she speaks to a therapist once a week, even when on the road. Additionally, she recently signed on as the Chief Impact Officer for Cerebral "to help break the stigma and expand access to mental health resources."
"I believe everyone should have access to mental health resources," stated the talented gymnast. "Cerebral's care model allows me to personalize my experience with the ability to have my prescriber, care counselor, and therapist all working together for me."
