Simone Biles withdrew from several events at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, most notably the team final, all-around finals, and event finals, to prioritize her mental health and manage the risk of serious injury. The decision centered on a condition she described as the "twisties," a temporary mental block affecting her spatial awareness and safety in high-flying skills. This evergreen explainer clarifies which specific competitions she exited, when the withdrawals occurred, the stated medical and psychological rationale, and the broader context of athlete well-being and long-term career sustainability.
What Olympics Did Simone Biles Withdraw From
Simone Biles withdrew from key competitions at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the global pandemic. On July 25, 2021, she announced she would skip the team final to focus on her mental health. She later withdrew from the women’s individual all-around final on July 29, and also opted out of the vault and floor exercise event finals, citing ongoing concerns with focus and safety. Her withdrawals were medically grounded, aimed at preventing more severe physical or psychological setbacks.
When Withdrawals Occurred During Tokyo 2020
July 25 2021 Team Final Withdrawal
Biles announced on July 25, 2021, that she would not compete in the team final, describing a struggle with focus and the "twisties." This marked her first major exit of the Games, allowing her to step back from the highest-pressure team situation while preserving her energy and safety.
July 29 2021 All-Around Final Decision
On July 29, 2021, Biles confirmed she would not compete in the women’s individual all-around final, reinforcing that her mental health and safety were the priority. She explained that the twists made it difficult to trust her skills, particularly in rotations and flight elements.
Subsequent Event Finals Opt Outs
Biles also withdrew from the vault and floor exercise event finals, decisions framed around continued mental-health support and medical caution. She returned to apparatus finals in later days for balance beam and uneven bars, where she earned bronze and silver medals respectively, demonstrating a carefully managed, partial return.
| Date | Event | Withdrawal Status | Primary Stated Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2021 | Team Final | Withdrew | Mental health and focus (the "twisties") |
| July 29, 2021 | All-Around Final | Withdrew | Safety and mental health |
| July 30–August 1, 2021 | Vault & Floor Exercise Event Finals | Withdrew | Continued mental health prioritization |
| August 1–2, 2021 | Balance Beam & Uneven Bars Event Finals | Participated | Medal-winning performances (bronze and silver) |
The Twisties Explained
The "twisties" is a term gymnasts use to describe a sudden, temporary loss of spatial awareness during flips and twists. For elite athletes like Biles, this can severely compromise the precision required for safe execution of high-difficulty skills. The condition is considered a mental block rather than a structural injury, but it carries significant safety risks, including loss of control in the air and potential collisions with apparatus or the floor. Sport psychologists and medical teams typically recommend withdrawal or reduced workload when twisties persist to prevent both acute and chronic injuries.
Mental Health And Athlete Well-Being
Biles’ decisions at Tokyo 2020 brought widespread attention to athlete mental health, challenging the narrative that athletes must compete regardless of psychological strain. Her openness about therapy, medication, and the need to step back helped normalize conversations about mental health in elite sport. Industry stakeholders noted that her choices underscored the importance of sustainable training loads, psychological support, and informed risk management over short-term competitive pressures.
Impact On Career And Competitive Trajectory
Although withdrawing from multiple Olympic events was unprecedented for a gymnast of Biles’ stature at the time, the move was widely supported by governing bodies, coaches, and peers as a necessary step for long-term health. Her subsequent return to competition, including balance beam and uneven bars, demonstrated a phased approach designed by medical and coaching teams. Over the following years, Biles continued to compete at world championships and other events, reinforcing that prioritizing mental health does not necessarily end an elite career but can extend it.
Biles’ withdrawals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics centered on the July 2021 timeline and were driven by the twisties and broader mental-health considerations. By stepping away from several events, she emphasized safety and long-term well-being over immediate medal counts, reshaping expectations for professional gymnasts and elite athletes broadly.