I'm thrilled that Simone got her redemption in this year's Olympics. No one can ever imagine what an Olympian has to go through every day. Simone's legacy in Gymnastics & Mental Health Advocacy will live on for years to come.
Me too. She has become the voice & face for mental health. What happened at the Olympics gave us all a respectable voice on this issue. Thanks Simone..
Agreed. Im so so so glad she put her safety first. Words cannot describe the tragedy that her getting hurt and losing her career and quality of life would have been. Regardless of medals or championships she deserves to go home to her family safely and healthy. I'm so happy she chose herself and decided to focus on wellness!
Watching this after she won ALL in Paris 2024, with the biggest smile and confidence, is such a powerful message. Trust yourself, protect yourself, care for yourself and you can come back shining.
Do push people to do things that will lead them to their early grave . Human are not products don't test people or make people overcome their limitation quickly with fake motivation . When all you do is talk and type words of encourage online just for likes
I hope my comments won’t be erased, but many were degrading Simone online. I’m glad she didn’t see some of the comments. The comments showed how hateful some folks are. We need to expose how people acted, and hopefully they will be ashamed for attacking her so brutally. I tried to explain to them, but they were relentless! I hope they’ve changed and stopped the bullying, after this interview!❤
@@marjorjorietillman856 Really nice of you to fight her corner. Though, it shouldn't take an explanation for people to accept it. Going away for your mental and physical health is explanation enough.
@@lemondropzs You’re very kind. Even though they were extremely hateful towards Simone, I didn’t know they could get worse until this week. This week they’ve been bullying & attacking Coco Gauff, worse than Simone. People can be so evil!
America didn't hate you, girl. No one can predict how their mind reacts at any given moment. You push yourself so hard, everyone has a breaking point. So glad you're doing better.
Even today people online are saying she doesn't deserve to go to Paris because of this. People are so mean and have 0 concept of the idea that regardless of how "important" the Olympics are, it's still just a game. And 100% not worth risking permanent injury or death for. Who knows, Keri Strugg could have done another Olympics had she not vaulted with an injury. Win at all costs isn't worth it. Not when the costs is your physical or mental health. Humanity is doomed.
It’s like these people that are saying these rude comments don’t understand that not being there mentally is not safe, especially with how dangerous gymnastics is already these people saying shit about her. We’re in her position. They wouldn’t be doing that.
Dear Simone-having had the “Twisties”, thank you for being so brave. Had them more than 65 years ago-couldn’t even do a simple walkover. But my teacher was an old Vaudeville performer who was knowledgeable in this area. AMERICA WILL NEVER HATE YOU-YOU ARE OUR NATIONAL TREASURE.
Not just the US, I'm not the only massive fan in the UK. Your entire US women's team is thrilling to watch, only Simone gives me goose bumps. I knew she'd be back and be the God given gymnast she was born to be. She is amazing and so supportive for her team. Also, teaching people to prioritise their mental health was a huge step in helping others do the same.
“Everyone on their couch eating their little chips..” took me out cause I always say that to bums talking about athletes, especially Olympic athletes😂😭
@@david_209_13 hahah I don’t think she meant everyone in terms of fans/casual watchers but everyone as in her harshest critics. The ones who said she gave up on Team USA, she’s full of herself, she wasn’t concentrated etc. haha yet they have nothing in their life that’s comparable to what Simone has done, ya know?
Simone, the lesson you gave the world is worth much more than a gold model. You proved to the world that mental health is priority, not others' expectations
her pulling herself gave me a whole lot more confidence, respect for myself and loved oves and more self love than a medal ever could (it couldn't). that was a MOMENT.
Simone had the courage to tell her team her head was not in the game. that takes tremendous guts . and to stay and cheer them on speaks to character❣❣ well done
Simone handled that situation with so much poise. Then she stuck around and supported and cheered on her teammates. She is truly remarkable. And she is now doing the most difficult gymnastics of her entire career. Amazing!
that vault was sooo scary!! in the last few seconds, you see her body just go limp in the air. I gasped out loud watching it live. She was right to pause it. She does the hardest skills on the planet and she could have really hurt herself going out on the rest of the events.
I know someone who, while driving one day, suddenly lost the ability to function mentally and physically, but eventually regained the ability to drive. She still only drives when it’s absolutely necessary.
I'm not American, but I remember the way Simone handled the situation and just thought: "That's it. That is what a true role model is." If you're that good at what you do (and let's be honest, Simone is one in a hundred years, she is unparalleled) and you handle such an unfathomably difficult situation with poise, with dignity and with incredible responsibility, like Simone did at the time, every human being should look at that and learn what true courage and strength looks like. Simone, I salute you. You're the most badass human being of our age.
It made me tear up when she said she will never forgive herself for letting her team down. This is something that was out of her control and the best thing she could have done was what she did.
I mean, she did the right thing for her and her teammates and it stinks that people were rude and mean to her for doing that because she could’ve gotten seriously hurt. People don’t get that.
She shouldn’t feel that way. Imagine if she did try and power through it, and then something bad happened? She’s flying through the air at several feet. If she lands the wrong way, she could have been paralyzed or worse. Her career could have ended. Her life could have ended. It was not worth the risk. But she made it out of that and is winning more gold medals in Paris today. She’s a special woman.
I wish gymnastics was taken seriously just as much as other sports are. The twisities can last for days or even years. Mental blocks can lead to permanent injury and should be regarded in the same sense as any physical injury.
I was no where even close to her level not even by a million years but I did have to quit cheerleading because of mental blocks. I had no idea it was called the “twisities.” These sports can lead to life changing injuries like it’s no joke.
There needs to be amendments in the rule books and the amendments need to happen before the next Olympics because this issue needs to be formally addressed not just talked about in an interview
It's so interesting to learn about it because as a figure skater this condition is someting I experienced and thought it was some kind of "mental block". The desorientation and the sudden fear of jumping are very real and I hope the sport community speaks more about the issue.
@@jessicateixeira4633 It's interesting because this happens all the time with singers as well. In opera some of the music can get so difficult and you're using so many different muscles to move your voice properly that if you mentally back off and aren't connected to your body, difficult high notes or passages won't come out properly. Kind of interesting to see how physical singing is and how much athletes and singers may share in terms of syncing their bodies
She did not have a broken ankle. Kerri was also from a different time when people knew the stakes they were at and winning gold was everything. The US team at that games had a myriad of issues as several teammates fell or had issues of their own. Kerri KNEW she was the only hope to secure the win. SHE DID WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO IN THE END AND HAS ZERO REGRETS IN DOING SO.
Those who are saying Kerri Strug wasn't forced... yes she was. She was 16 years old under the supervision of an abusive coach. She was a child on a world stage and not one single adult thought of her well-being after she became injured. She was a CHILD. When a CHILD has all the adults around her telling her that she must perform, a CHILD will do what she's told.
Sounds similar to what happens with vertigo: A deception of the mind and senses. She could have died or been permanently injured. I'm glad she stepped back.
What this woman has survived in her young life is immeasurable. She was abandoned by a drug addicted mother; she was r@ped by her trainer; she was part of a training program that was ab@sive. Yet she has prevailed at all costs. She is no doubt the greatest and she has set a bar that will at the very least take decades to outdo or may never be done. She is certainly an inspiration.
Some Americans hated her for leaving. I'm in the military and some military members were angry with her leaving at the deployed location where I was stationed ... they had NO CLUE ABOUT GYMNASTICS! 🗣I HAD TO EXPLAIN TO THEM WHY SHE LEFT!
People don’t understand how lucky Simone was to land that vault while having the twisties. Because of her immense training and talent she was able to do it, but any other gymnastics would have ate the mat or worse
This is one of the best interviews, she is so awesome, I love her being candid. Goodness she is absolutely an awesome gymnast, but she is the sweetest human being! My daughter met her and was just like mommy she is SO NICE. Love her more and more as she grows… thank you Simone for being you and this awesome interview with you just putting it all out there ❤
@@KeepItReal213where did it look like that at all? She could barely preform and if she kept going she probably would have injured herself. Is that what you wanted?
@@melanin.beautyxiii She just chose not to compete because she had a disagreement with the judges because wouldn't give her bonus points for certain moves. She didn't have no twisties. That's amateur stuff.
@@KeepItReal213 Keep snackin on your little chips bud. You have no idea what you're talking about. Yeah, I'm sure she wanted to potentially tank her career and reputation and relationship with her friends and teammates over a few tenths of a score.
Anyone who knows anything about gymnastics will know that this was NOT your fault and you did the right thing for yourself. You did not let anyone down. ❤️❤️❤️
The people who knew anything about gymnastics knew what had happened. It's interesting to learn what the lead up had been during warm-ups but that makes sense. I just wish the twisties would have been explained at the time. And now she just explained that it had to be categorized as an injury of some sort so that the lineup could be changed. Some people fortunately understood after the twisties were explained to them but I still know people who refuse to understand the reality of what was going on. Of course the discussion has come up again since the Olympics are coming around again.
I remember the comments on youtube videos literally the people on the couch eating their chips complaining and as a retired gymnast I was so mad that people were even saying those things without understanding what was going on
@@Methequeen it is distguisting she's very brave for talking about her mental health and stepping back from the sport to get the help she needs. People don't realize how serious mental health is
So interesting hearing about that experience straight from her. Simone, girl, you explained that so well, and it makes total sense. You did everything you could and then some.
Simone made the best decision at the time to keep herself safe. As for nationalism for the team she was competing for, no duh! Despite the fact she made the best decision for her safety, the media exploited Simone's market for drama. I remember outlets questioning her prowess to compete for "USA." Meanwhile, their channels NEEDED her, a black woman breaking records, to help their channels get viewers. Point blank, Simone is an industry who created a market for those complaining about herself. Give her all the time and space.
Watched the full episode on Spotify. This was such a good interview. I feel like I have watched Simone grow up and it is great to see! My prayer for her is that she does continue to find the fun. ❤❤❤
I did cheer growing up and had a mental block on a simple roundoff back handspring once. It was so frustrating. Nothing helped but time and patient drills. It must have been hell for an Olympic athlete like Simone.
She said she won't forgive herself for letting down her team?! 💔 Simone should not hold herself responsible for a situation beyond her control. Her team was rightly proud and supportive of her just like she was of them.
I also had the“ Twisties” and back in the day my coaches would think I was a failure. I can't stress enough how scary it is that you have ZERO control over your body. It took me months to get over this and I am beyond amazed of your strength!
Great interview. It’s mind blowing 🤯 to think she was thinking of twitter when us actual gymnastics fans were thinking of former gymnasts like Sang Lan or Elena Mukhina. She could’ve been seriously hurt. I’m glad she’s in a better mental space now. Wishing her the best. She’ll always be a favorite of mine. Can’t wait to see her live at the Olympic trials!
Say what y'all want but if Simone had continued on at that time I don't believe she would be present & healthy today. She did what was necessary that day to ensure a healthy tomorrow. And she is ready ready!!!! 💪🏿🤸🏿♀️
I get it. I was a catcher all my life, one day I woke up, went to the game, and could not FOR THE LIFE OF ME throw the ball back to the pitcher. I got so in my head. My arm was like jello, I could not make it work. Horrible!!
My daughter and I were not hating you. We were scared for you. When we found out what was going on we were thrilled you DIDN'T get hurt or worse. Maybe some idiots thought bad things, but the for the most part, the gymnastics fan community understood and we were just happy you were physically going home in one piece, and could work on the mental side. You've been through so much. Keep going strong girl!
@@erinjohnson1124 She's not just a gymnist or olympian... she's possibly the greatest to ever do it. People on her level don't get twisties. She had other motives to quit.
Absolutely! And I've noticed some sports news channels are already doing it again. I saw NBC post saying how "Simone will surpass this gymnast in Paris when she gets ____ gold metals." I'm like this is exactly the pressure that hurt Simone in Tokyo! It's so frustrating
Everyone needs to understand that we are all human and she was having a “human” moment. If she tried to fight through it. She could have had a number of falls and the US would have not even made the podium. It’s a damn if you do, damn if you don’t situation.
I think it's similar to dissociation and that's something I live with hella scary. Glad she was able to survive the vault and get the help she needed. i will never forget when she stepped down because she gave millions of us the courage to say, "I'm not ok and I need help." That is more valuable than any medal or national recognition.
Superb interview! As real as it gets! I remember thinking something isn't right when I was watching the floor routine as it was aired. After watching this interview I went back and watched it again in .5 speed, it looks like she was pushed off her axis. Imagine cameras televising your work to the world everyday, damn that'd make it hard to focus without feeling like you are constantly being critiqued! Talent, talent, talent:)
She was SO brave to step out to take care of her mental health. That was SO important to the sport world and really was a huge thing on the fight for talking more about mental health, specially athlete's. I'm from Brazil and was so proud of her ❤️
Oh, like the yips, this explanation makes so much sense! The equivalent in veterinary is a bad vein day, where for some reason your hands just aren't getting those venipunctures. If i miss 2 in a day i defer to colleagues for a few days because there's no point trying to retrieve it. Body says no. Wish commentary teams had explained it better at the time
Same for me as a nurse. I’m usually good at venipunctures, but I’ve learned to feel when it’s not gonna happen. At this point I can tell while I’m setting up and bow out before the stick. I just do enough favors on the good days to call one in when I need it.
I had something similar. The “twisties” for high jump in track (high school), I went from getting 1st and 2nd place and qualified for state, to all of the sudden not knowing how to do it anymore. Ended up hurting my back because of doing it incorrectly, had no control over it and was never able to do it again because my mind was so messed up and my body wasn’t doing what i wanted it to do. I unfortunately Had to quit. I praise Simone for getting out of that. So so difficult to deal with especially at the level she is competing at. Plus all the eyes on her. She’s so amazing.
Americans bully her online when this was happening people who sat behind computer screens and keyboards were saying lots of hurtful things so America did not support her when she was going through these things her own country treated her crap
I semi knew Simone’s name before the Tokyo Olympics. I knew she was a really good gymnast but that’s about it. When she stepped out of the Tokyo Olympics for her mental health, she instantly became my favorite and I’ve been heavily rooting for her ever since. She is so incredibly strong in literally every way and she is such a good role model to kids. It makes me sad that there are people out there who criticized her, but anyone who knows anything about mental health and is just a decent human, 1000% supported and applauded that decision. Simone Biles is truly amazing 👏🏻🤌🏻
Sending so much support for Simone! It was such a tough choice to withdraw but it was obvs the only choice, she could have really injured herself. The absolute GOAT of gymnastics, hope she has a much more enjoyable experience in Paris and is able to perform at her best 🙌
You are human. You gave your best and have to forgive yourself for something you had no control over. Life happens and really, I’m Proud to see you come back stronger than Ever!
Great to see Simone being fully herself. She is a fierce competitor and person. Love seeing this side to her. She's so chatty and charismatic. Stunning and brilliant Simone. We love you. Keep on shining!
People standing up for themselves is a great thing. We arent machines to be used. It's her job but I think anyone should have the right to prioritize their health over their work and employers should support their employees in trying to become healthy again.
I enjoyed this candid interview with Simone, especially because it’s hard to see the personality behind the routines sometimes. I would have loved to see a short clip of her vault during this video to really understand what they were talking about. But it was still very insightful!
You think she’s peaked when she competes and elevates her sport to new heights but then she speaks and she’s even more impressive. Honestly she’s just phenomenal the whole world is better for having her in it.
Yaaaaaa Simone!!!!! I'm your cheerleader! I'm the woman at home who was eating my chips and you help add to my internal dialogue of self love and putting myself FIRST as far as my mental and physical health, so I can be with others. You were a leader when you chose yourself Simone! The east of team USA were champs as well, all of you were a wonderful example at Tokyo.
Don't come back if it's not gold?!?! All Olympic athletes from America must be celebrated just for qualifying to compete at this elite level... metal or not. You all are literally the best America has to offer the sports world.
Simone I am so proud of you for putting yourself first and your team! You ARE the definition of an olympian! We love you and could never hate you for what happened. You are after all still HUMAN and things happen. I’m so glad you’re back for the Paris Olympics and was able to work through and get deep down and found out whatever was going on with the disconnect of your brain and body! #mentalhealthawareness
To be the best in the world, but be humble enough to realize you need to step down is such an underrated act of integrity…she is the most humble and that’s why she’s the goat and the fact that she was so excited to give the other girls an opportunity ugh she’s just amazing
Can I just say....she won an individual bronze medal on beam in Tokyo 2020 Olympics...... Even when she did not perform to her high standard and everyone's expectations she came home an Olympic medalist which is no small feat......She also won bronze on beam in 2016 at the Rio Olympics so she didn't do.worse on beam in 2020......
It sucks neither her coaches nor her teammates stopped her from competing under such a dangerous scenario. She keeps being abused but in a different way
It's crazy how our minds can make us believe things that aren't true. Your worth is your heart, who you help, who you stand up for, not just gymnastics. You have done so much with your life. I didn't know who you were, but leaving and taking care of you made me a fan for life. ❤❤❤
I'm thrilled that Simone got her redemption in this year's Olympics. No one can ever imagine what an Olympian has to go through every day. Simone's legacy in Gymnastics & Mental Health Advocacy will live on for years to come.
WILL FOREVER LIVE ON‼️
She's incredible and seems really nice as a person.
Her stepping out for her own mental and physical health made me love her even more.
Me too. She has become the voice & face for mental health. What happened at the Olympics gave us all a respectable voice on this issue. Thanks Simone..
@@MyGenXLife-1946…y’all don’t even know her!! 😂
Only weak people believe EVERYTHING they hear!!!
Agreed. Im so so so glad she put her safety first. Words cannot describe the tragedy that her getting hurt and losing her career and quality of life would have been.
Regardless of medals or championships she deserves to go home to her family safely and healthy. I'm so happy she chose herself and decided to focus on wellness!
its such an amazing example for all atheletes!
And people call her a QUITTER???? It makes me SICK. This hustle culture is INSANE.
Watching this after she won ALL in Paris 2024, with the biggest smile and confidence, is such a powerful message. Trust yourself, protect yourself, care for yourself and you can come back shining.
I just shouted! No Ma’am!! You are a legend that just took it ALL 6 years later!!!!!
Do push people to do things that will lead them to their early grave . Human are not products don't test people or make people overcome their limitation quickly with fake motivation . When all you do is talk and type words of encourage online just for likes
It breaks my heart that Simone thought that America hated her because she couldn't go 😭😭😭😭 We Love You Simone ♥️♥️♥️♥️
because so much of her identity has been approval from others. we slowly learned that it doesn’t matter only those who love us and know us.
I hope my comments won’t be erased, but many were degrading Simone online. I’m glad she didn’t see some of the comments. The comments showed how hateful some folks are. We need to expose how people acted, and hopefully they will be ashamed for attacking her so brutally. I tried to explain to them, but they were relentless! I hope they’ve changed and stopped the bullying, after this interview!❤
@@marjorjorietillman856 Really nice of you to fight her corner. Though, it shouldn't take an explanation for people to accept it. Going away for your mental and physical health is explanation enough.
We love you Simone!! You will be back on top next month at the Olympics!!
@@lemondropzs You’re very kind. Even though they were extremely hateful towards Simone, I didn’t know they could get worse until this week. This week they’ve been bullying & attacking Coco Gauff, worse than Simone. People can be so evil!
America didn't hate you, girl. No one can predict how their mind reacts at any given moment. You push yourself so hard, everyone has a breaking point. So glad you're doing better.
she was bullied online by Americans people said lots of mean things
@@janicepittman-x7l Ignorant fools are ignorant fools. But they can still hurt.
Even today people online are saying she doesn't deserve to go to Paris because of this. People are so mean and have 0 concept of the idea that regardless of how "important" the Olympics are, it's still just a game. And 100% not worth risking permanent injury or death for. Who knows, Keri Strugg could have done another Olympics had she not vaulted with an injury. Win at all costs isn't worth it. Not when the costs is your physical or mental health. Humanity is doomed.
@@renise011 those aren’t Americans tho, half those were from fake accounts because she was cookin other countries so badly
It’s like these people that are saying these rude comments don’t understand that not being there mentally is not safe, especially with how dangerous gymnastics is already these people saying shit about her. We’re in her position. They wouldn’t be doing that.
Dear Simone-having had the “Twisties”, thank you for being so brave. Had them more than 65 years ago-couldn’t even do a simple walkover. But my teacher was an old Vaudeville performer who was knowledgeable in this area.
AMERICA WILL NEVER HATE YOU-YOU ARE OUR NATIONAL TREASURE.
Not just the US, I'm not the only massive fan in the UK. Your entire US women's team is thrilling to watch, only Simone gives me goose bumps. I knew she'd be back and be the God given gymnast she was born to be. She is amazing and so supportive for her team.
Also, teaching people to prioritise their mental health was a huge step in helping others do the same.
“Everyone on their couch eating their little chips..” took me out cause I always say that to bums talking about athletes, especially Olympic athletes😂😭
Lmao
I was a bit offended but it's true 😂
That one got me too😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@david_209_13 hahah I don’t think she meant everyone in terms of fans/casual watchers but everyone as in her harshest critics. The ones who said she gave up on Team USA, she’s full of herself, she wasn’t concentrated etc. haha yet they have nothing in their life that’s comparable to what Simone has done, ya know?
@@gc5808 if they are that angry at a human being for making human errors due to human brain glitches they are.... a bitter and mediocre human at BEST.
Simone, the lesson you gave the world is worth much more than a gold model. You proved to the world that mental health is priority, not others' expectations
her pulling herself gave me a whole lot more confidence, respect for myself and loved oves and more self love than a medal ever could (it couldn't). that was a MOMENT.
Simone had the courage to tell her team her head was not in the game. that takes tremendous guts . and to stay and cheer them on speaks to character❣❣ well done
Simone handled that situation with so much poise. Then she stuck around and supported and cheered on her teammates. She is truly remarkable. And she is now doing the most difficult gymnastics of her entire career. Amazing!
that vault was sooo scary!! in the last few seconds, you see her body just go limp in the air. I gasped out loud watching it live. She was right to pause it. She does the hardest skills on the planet and she could have really hurt herself going out on the rest of the events.
Right! I knew it immediately!!!
I know someone who, while driving one day, suddenly lost the ability to function mentally and physically, but eventually regained the ability to drive. She still only drives when it’s absolutely necessary.
I'm not American, but I remember the way Simone handled the situation and just thought: "That's it. That is what a true role model is." If you're that good at what you do (and let's be honest, Simone is one in a hundred years, she is unparalleled) and you handle such an unfathomably difficult situation with poise, with dignity and with incredible responsibility, like Simone did at the time, every human being should look at that and learn what true courage and strength looks like. Simone, I salute you. You're the most badass human being of our age.
PREACH 👏🏻🤌🏻 I literally just commented on another video about what a good role model she is. Everyone should learn from her 👏🏻
It made me tear up when she said she will never forgive herself for letting her team down. This is something that was out of her control and the best thing she could have done was what she did.
I mean, she did the right thing for her and her teammates and it stinks that people were rude and mean to her for doing that because she could’ve gotten seriously hurt. People don’t get that.
@@mesquitegirl2013🤡👎
She shouldn’t feel that way. Imagine if she did try and power through it, and then something bad happened? She’s flying through the air at several feet. If she lands the wrong way, she could have been paralyzed or worse. Her career could have ended. Her life could have ended. It was not worth the risk.
But she made it out of that and is winning more gold medals in Paris today.
She’s a special woman.
I wish gymnastics was taken seriously just as much as other sports are. The twisities can last for days or even years. Mental blocks can lead to permanent injury and should be regarded in the same sense as any physical injury.
I was no where even close to her level not even by a million years but I did have to quit cheerleading because of mental blocks. I had no idea it was called the “twisities.” These sports can lead to life changing injuries like it’s no joke.
There needs to be amendments in the rule books and the amendments need to happen before the next Olympics because this issue needs to be formally addressed not just talked about in an interview
It's so interesting to learn about it because as a figure skater this condition is someting I experienced and thought it was some kind of "mental block". The desorientation and the sudden fear of jumping are very real and I hope the sport community speaks more about the issue.
@@jessicateixeira4633 It's interesting because this happens all the time with singers as well. In opera some of the music can get so difficult and you're using so many different muscles to move your voice properly that if you mentally back off and aren't connected to your body, difficult high notes or passages won't come out properly.
Kind of interesting to see how physical singing is and how much athletes and singers may share in terms of syncing their bodies
Omg I thought she meant the twisties is a move where she twists in the air
Compare Simone walking off the floor to Kerri Strug being forced to vault on a broken ankle makes me so proud of these women finding their voice
She did not have a broken ankle. Kerri was also from a different time when people knew the stakes they were at and winning gold was everything. The US team at that games had a myriad of issues as several teammates fell or had issues of their own. Kerri KNEW she was the only hope to secure the win. SHE DID WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO IN THE END AND HAS ZERO REGRETS IN DOING SO.
Word, that effectively ended her career. Kerri even offered Simone support bc she knew herself she shouldn’t have vaulted.
Those who are saying Kerri Strug wasn't forced... yes she was. She was 16 years old under the supervision of an abusive coach. She was a child on a world stage and not one single adult thought of her well-being after she became injured. She was a CHILD. When a CHILD has all the adults around her telling her that she must perform, a CHILD will do what she's told.
@@Texray123 She was 18 yo at the time. The injury she sustained ended her career..
@@Texray123 That injury pretty much did her in. She even spoke on it wtf are you talking about lol.
Sounds similar to what happens with vertigo: A deception of the mind and senses. She could have died or been permanently injured. I'm glad she stepped back.
Ok slave
I’ll never hate you Simone. I love you and thank you for setting an example for other people to take care of themselves first.
What this woman has survived in her young life is immeasurable. She was abandoned by a drug addicted mother; she was r@ped by her trainer; she was part of a training program that was ab@sive. Yet she has prevailed at all costs. She is no doubt the greatest and she has set a bar that will at the very least take decades to outdo or may never be done. She is certainly an inspiration.
Some Americans hated her for leaving. I'm in the military and some military members were angry with her leaving at the deployed location where I was stationed ... they had NO CLUE ABOUT GYMNASTICS! 🗣I HAD TO EXPLAIN TO THEM WHY SHE LEFT!
People don’t understand how lucky Simone was to land that vault while having the twisties. Because of her immense training and talent she was able to do it, but any other gymnastics would have ate the mat or worse
I defended her so hard on LinkedIn from white men who were mad she let them down...as if she was some prize that owes her a performance.
This is one of the best interviews, she is so awesome, I love her being candid. Goodness she is absolutely an awesome gymnast, but she is the sweetest human being! My daughter met her and was just like mommy she is SO NICE. Love her more and more as she grows… thank you Simone for being you and this awesome interview with you just putting it all out there ❤
I defended Simone so much in 2021, I remember the disgusting hate that she got, especially as an ex-gymnast I totally get her.
Same. No one trains to get to the Olympics just to quit.
@@extra_ice_girlhonestly, it looked like she quit
@@KeepItReal213where did it look like that at all? She could barely preform and if she kept going she probably would have injured herself. Is that what you wanted?
@@melanin.beautyxiii She just chose not to compete because she had a disagreement with the judges because wouldn't give her bonus points for certain moves. She didn't have no twisties. That's amateur stuff.
@@KeepItReal213 Keep snackin on your little chips bud. You have no idea what you're talking about. Yeah, I'm sure she wanted to potentially tank her career and reputation and relationship with her friends and teammates over a few tenths of a score.
It sounds like she's speaking another language. She definitely knows her stuff and is gifted.
What ? It’s her professional job .. of course she knows how to talk about it , it’s not the most articulate
Anyone who knows anything about gymnastics will know that this was NOT your fault and you did the right thing for yourself. You did not let anyone down. ❤️❤️❤️
The people who knew anything about gymnastics knew what had happened. It's interesting to learn what the lead up had been during warm-ups but that makes sense. I just wish the twisties would have been explained at the time. And now she just explained that it had to be categorized as an injury of some sort so that the lineup could be changed. Some people fortunately understood after the twisties were explained to them but I still know people who refuse to understand the reality of what was going on. Of course the discussion has come up again since the Olympics are coming around again.
I remember the comments on youtube videos literally the people on the couch eating their chips complaining and as a retired gymnast I was so mad that people were even saying those things without understanding what was going on
It was a shame how people was being. I'm glad she got the help she needed and now she's back and stronger than ever
They still blame her and it’s disgusting
@@Methequeen it is distguisting she's very brave for talking about her mental health and stepping back from the sport to get the help she needs. People don't realize how serious mental health is
So interesting hearing about that experience straight from her. Simone, girl, you explained that so well, and it makes total sense. You did everything you could and then some.
Simone made the best decision at the time to keep herself safe. As for nationalism for the team she was competing for, no duh! Despite the fact she made the best decision for her safety, the media exploited Simone's market for drama. I remember outlets questioning her prowess to compete for "USA." Meanwhile, their channels NEEDED her, a black woman breaking records, to help their channels get viewers. Point blank, Simone is an industry who created a market for those complaining about herself. Give her all the time and space.
Watched the full episode on Spotify. This was such a good interview. I feel like I have watched Simone grow up and it is great to see! My prayer for her is that she does continue to find the fun. ❤❤❤
Really good interview imo. Simone is so well spoken and with a vibrant personality. Best of luck to her at Paris.
😊😊w
I did cheer growing up and had a mental block on a simple roundoff back handspring once. It was so frustrating. Nothing helped but time and patient drills. It must have been hell for an Olympic athlete like Simone.
She said she won't forgive herself for letting down her team?! 💔 Simone should not hold herself responsible for a situation beyond her control. Her team was rightly proud and supportive of her just like she was of them.
Girl nooooo let go of everything and what people say. This has gotten to your head and is definitely affecting you.
Dont worry Simone. Youve nothing to prove.
She proved it already just by even being there. None of us ever could.
Your wellbeing is worth so much more than anything else. You not only did the right thing but you did it with grace.
LMAO when she said “they’re sitting there on their couch with their chips” 😂😂😭 Simone I want you to know sometimes I watch from my bed okay?
She’s so mentally strong to have been able to pull off what she did considering how she explained the twistes and what she was going through. Wow!
I also had the“ Twisties” and back in the day my coaches would think I was a failure. I can't stress enough how scary it is that you have ZERO control over your body. It took me months to get over this and I am beyond amazed of your strength!
I love how she explained it. Literally other gymnasts were trying to not watch her because it would get in there head and they would get twistes 😭😭😭
This happens in dance too w turns if you spot incorrectly
this happens when i tumble! i watch people bust on their skills and i end up getting in my head and doing the same thing
Great interview. It’s mind blowing 🤯 to think she was thinking of twitter when us actual gymnastics fans were thinking of former gymnasts like Sang Lan or Elena Mukhina. She could’ve been seriously hurt. I’m glad she’s in a better mental space now. Wishing her the best. She’ll always be a favorite of mine. Can’t wait to see her live at the Olympic trials!
“Everybody on their couch eating those little chips.” 😂😂😂😂
I love Simone! ❤
Say what y'all want but if Simone had continued on at that time I don't believe she would be present & healthy today. She did what was necessary that day to ensure a healthy tomorrow. And she is ready ready!!!! 💪🏿🤸🏿♀️
Love Simone❤ Hope she can enjoy her journey to Paris this summer happily and healthy.
Simone I’m happy you chose listening to your body and intuition over society. You owe us nothing.
Massive respect for Simone. ⭐️💪🏼
I get it. I was a catcher all my life, one day I woke up, went to the game, and could not FOR THE LIFE OF ME throw the ball back to the pitcher. I got so in my head. My arm was like jello, I could not make it work. Horrible!!
My daughter and I were not hating you. We were scared for you. When we found out what was going on we were thrilled you DIDN'T get hurt or worse. Maybe some idiots thought bad things, but the for the most part, the gymnastics fan community understood and we were just happy you were physically going home in one piece, and could work on the mental side. You've been through so much. Keep going strong girl!
omg the twisties are ACTUALLY so terrifying... i never actually got over them and to this day i'm terrified of doing a back full lol
She’s an Olympic gold medalist. She doesn’t get twisties in competition. That’s amateur stuff.
@@KeepItReal213 It sounds like she has something similar to a mental block.
@@KeepItReal213no gymnast is immune, not even Olympians. 🤷🏽♀️
@@erinjohnson1124 She's not just a gymnist or olympian... she's possibly the greatest to ever do it. People on her level don't get twisties. She had other motives to quit.
@@KeepItReal213 lmaooo at the end of the day, no matter the accomplishments, a person is still a human at the end of the day
Simone is a fabulous inspirational Olympian! I'll be rooting for her future success! Respect!
as a gymnast the TWISTIES ARE REAL!! VERY SCARY
Yup. I remember watching her and I got immediate chills. It’s the scariest thing to experience. Especially something you’ve done for so many years
She’s an Olympic gold medalist. She doesn’t get twisties in competition. That’s amateur stuff. I don’t believe it.
@@KeepItReal213 It sounds like she has something similar to a mental block.
Did you literally not hear anything that she said in this interview?? @@KeepItReal213
@@KeepItReal213 Nobody cares of what you believe or not just shush if you came here to spread hate towards her okay
The things we did to Michelle Kwan at the 2002 Olympics in the USA. The pressure we put on these amazing phenomenal athletes is unfair.
Absolutely! And I've noticed some sports news channels are already doing it again. I saw NBC post saying how "Simone will surpass this gymnast in Paris when she gets ____ gold metals." I'm like this is exactly the pressure that hurt Simone in Tokyo! It's so frustrating
This is the interview we’ve been waiting for 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This interviewer always ask the questions we really wanna know.
I’m so sorry you felt that way! So proud of you.
She is so much more outgoing than before ❤
Absolutely, her therapy helped her so much.
Everyone needs to understand that we are all human and she was having a “human” moment. If she tried to fight through it. She could have had a number of falls and the US would have not even made the podium. It’s a damn if you do, damn if you don’t situation.
I appreciate you taking care of you! ♥️🙏🏾♥️
Simone you are golden no matter what❤❤❤❤
I think it's similar to dissociation and that's something I live with hella scary. Glad she was able to survive the vault and get the help she needed. i will never forget when she stepped down because she gave millions of us the courage to say, "I'm not ok and I need help." That is more valuable than any medal or national recognition.
Superb interview! As real as it gets! I remember thinking something isn't right when I was watching the floor routine as it was aired. After watching this interview I went back and watched it again in .5 speed, it looks like she was pushed off her axis. Imagine cameras televising your work to the world everyday, damn that'd make it hard to focus without feeling like you are constantly being critiqued! Talent, talent, talent:)
She was SO brave to step out to take care of her mental health. That was SO important to the sport world and really was a huge thing on the fight for talking more about mental health, specially athlete's. I'm from Brazil and was so proud of her ❤️
her makeup is absolutely gorgeous!
She really deserves a man that sees and feels honored to be near a queen w so much tenacity and depth
Oh, like the yips, this explanation makes so much sense!
The equivalent in veterinary is a bad vein day, where for some reason your hands just aren't getting those venipunctures. If i miss 2 in a day i defer to colleagues for a few days because there's no point trying to retrieve it. Body says no.
Wish commentary teams had explained it better at the time
Same for me as a nurse. I’m usually good at venipunctures, but I’ve learned to feel when it’s not gonna happen. At this point I can tell while I’m setting up and bow out before the stick. I just do enough favors on the good days to call one in when I need it.
I had something similar. The “twisties” for high jump in track (high school), I went from getting 1st and 2nd place and qualified for state, to all of the sudden not knowing how to do it anymore. Ended up hurting my back because of doing it incorrectly, had no control over it and was never able to do it again because my mind was so messed up and my body wasn’t doing what i wanted it to do. I unfortunately Had to quit.
I praise Simone for getting out of that. So so difficult to deal with especially at the level she is competing at. Plus all the eyes on her. She’s so amazing.
You are amazing, America supports you.
Americans bully her online when this was happening people who sat behind computer screens and keyboards were saying lots of hurtful things so America did not support her when she was going through these things her own country treated her crap
I semi knew Simone’s name before the Tokyo Olympics. I knew she was a really good gymnast but that’s about it. When she stepped out of the Tokyo Olympics for her mental health, she instantly became my favorite and I’ve been heavily rooting for her ever since. She is so incredibly strong in literally every way and she is such a good role model to kids. It makes me sad that there are people out there who criticized her, but anyone who knows anything about mental health and is just a decent human, 1000% supported and applauded that decision. Simone Biles is truly amazing 👏🏻🤌🏻
It made me sad that Simone said that she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself. You are the best Simone!!
I love how she says "the girls" she really cares about them, and for that reason, that is the reason why Simone is the G.O.A.T. ❤
Way to open up about mental health. Having a strong circle of support is something we ALL need. Go Simone! Your country LOVES YOU!!!
Sending so much support for Simone! It was such a tough choice to withdraw but it was obvs the only choice, she could have really injured herself. The absolute GOAT of gymnastics, hope she has a much more enjoyable experience in Paris and is able to perform at her best 🙌
You are human. You gave your best and have to forgive yourself for something you had no control over. Life happens and really, I’m Proud to see you come back stronger than Ever!
This was a beautiful interview! 10/10❤
As a former gymnast I want to shake her and say we loved, love you!! Even GOATs have bad days! You are loved❤❤❤❤ Never hated🥇🌟🏅🌟
Great to see Simone being fully herself. She is a fierce competitor and person. Love seeing this side to her. She's so chatty and charismatic. Stunning and brilliant Simone. We love you. Keep on shining!
People standing up for themselves is a great thing. We arent machines to be used. It's her job but I think anyone should have the right to prioritize their health over their work and employers should support their employees in trying to become healthy again.
This is the guest we want
I enjoyed this candid interview with Simone, especially because it’s hard to see the personality behind the routines sometimes. I would have loved to see a short clip of her vault during this video to really understand what they were talking about. But it was still very insightful!
You think she’s peaked when she competes and elevates her sport to new heights but then she speaks and she’s even more impressive. Honestly she’s just phenomenal the whole world is better for having her in it.
Great interview 👌
Can’t imagine being under that type of pressure.
She is really remarkable. I hope she becomes a coach whenever she retires.
I was so proud of you for owning what was happening. We were all on your side.
Yaaaaaa Simone!!!!! I'm your cheerleader! I'm the woman at home who was eating my chips and you help add to my internal dialogue of self love and putting myself FIRST as far as my mental and physical health, so I can be with others. You were a leader when you chose yourself Simone! The east of team USA were champs as well, all of you were a wonderful example at Tokyo.
It’s ok to take a pause to regroup and move forward. This is a huge stage to teach people it’s ok to prioritize your mental health.
Don't come back if it's not gold?!?! All Olympic athletes from America must be celebrated just for qualifying to compete at this elite level... metal or not. You all are literally the best America has to offer the sports world.
Oh my we didn’t hate you girl! We have nothing but love for you!! ❤
Simone I am so proud of you for putting yourself first and your team! You ARE the definition of an olympian! We love you and could never hate you for what happened. You are after all still HUMAN and things happen. I’m so glad you’re back for the Paris Olympics and was able to work through and get deep down and found out whatever was going on with the disconnect of your brain and body! #mentalhealthawareness
Simone is a QUEEN
Far from it.. she continues to embarrass herself.
@@Kubush1you actually are.
@@weluvraphi2148 Stop embarrassing yourself
@@Kubush1Cope and seethe, she’s one of the greatest athletes ever and the GOAT in her respective field.
@@FkaRon Not even close.. remembered for choking
She’s sooooo beautiful 😍
To be the best in the world, but be humble enough to realize you need to step down is such an underrated act of integrity…she is the most humble and that’s why she’s the goat and the fact that she was so excited to give the other girls an opportunity ugh she’s just amazing
What a strong and remarkable woman. Very glad that she took the time needed, to come back even stronger. ❤
Can I just say....she won an individual bronze medal on beam in Tokyo 2020 Olympics...... Even when she did not perform to her high standard and everyone's expectations she came home an Olympic medalist which is no small feat......She also won bronze on beam in 2016 at the Rio Olympics so she didn't do.worse on beam in 2020......
Exactly, Simone at her worst stilled medalled at the olympics. It seems she can't not make it onto the podium...
She's such a good interviewee. Love her
I was very proud of her for Tokyo. She did what she needed to do. She does us proud!! A fighter and athlete!!
My Queen 👑💜🦄
No one could ever make me hate you Simone 💕 So many of us love and support you so much! ❤
It sucks neither her coaches nor her teammates stopped her from competing under such a dangerous scenario. She keeps being abused but in a different way
It's crazy how our minds can make us believe things that aren't true. Your worth is your heart, who you help, who you stand up for, not just gymnastics.
You have done so much with your life. I didn't know who you were, but leaving and taking care of you made me a fan for life. ❤❤❤
The world is blessed to have her in it.
To be told that you cannot have less than gold is insanity to me.
Her truth is why she is the GOAT. She opened the conversation about mental health.