After Simone Biles, widely considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, withdrew from several events at the Olympics, many fans were introduced to a new term: the “twisties.”
The twisties are the result of a gymnast’s brain and body essentially forgetting how to cooperate with each other during twists. During the team vault event on Tuesday, July 27, Biles attempted a move with a two-and-a-half twist but landed after completing a one-and-a-half twist. She later shared in interviews and on Instagram that she lost her bearings in the air.
The disorientation experienced by gymnasts dealing with twisties makes it extremely difficult to land correctly, which can lead to serious injury. “I have no idea how I landed on my feet,” Biles wrote on her Instagram. She added that her decision to step back from the competition was ultimately about her own safety.
