Simone Biles' Olympics 2021 Experience

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: I’m selfish in that I’m upset I didn't get to see Simone Biles serve up excellence in this Olympics as anticipated. I already know what she can do, but it would have been nice to see her break some records and be remembered for her physical heroics this Olympics as FloJo and Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps were when they competed.

Russ: I was definitely looking forward to Ms. Biles competing, but I also agree with her putting herself first. In my opinion, the mental health not being right will alter the physical in such a way that, eventually, you have to listen to the messages.

John: Well, to be honest with you all, I don’t understand why we are still talking about the Olympics. In my opinion, there are other more important topics to speak on.

Donald: We all have topics more important to us, John; we’re merely speaking for the day. Currently, this is a huge topic. The Olympics is always a huge topic. Simone Biles is a huge topic. And her pulling out of these events because of the mental strain she’s been under is a huge topic as well. Especially following the Naomi Osaka saga we discussed some weeks back with her dealing with mental issues.

Patrick: Simone Biles pulling out of the majority of her events is big. I get what it looks like: that she’s scared of competition in a sense; that the pressure of the Olympics this year is overwhelming, especially as she may be feeling as if folks have put her on a pedestal—

John: I feel her pulling out of the Olympics, yet still competing on the balance beam, sends mixed signals. If she’s going to pull out, then pull out completely. Commit to it 100% - either way.

Russ: Biles has that heavy weight of expectation that comes down on someone when he or she is really good at something. Many feel it’s a case of jitters, and I think it’s part that, but mostly not. It’s gone beyond that.

Patrick: Just so you guys know, Simone is suffering a legitimate illness: It’s referred to as the “twisties.” She wrote on Instagram, and I quote: “I can’t even fathom twisting. I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist…not having an inch of control over your body.” And, then, she went further: “…I have NO idea how I am going to land. Or what I am going to land on. Head/hands/feet/back…”

Donald: Hey, I just found this: Elle magazine wrote that in regard to the balance beam, “Biles was able to alter her beam routine so she didn’t have to twist and [she] finished, instead, with a doublepike dismount.”

John: Oh wow, I seriously thought this was just a case of the yips. I just may do a bit of research to learn more.

Russ: And, John, I guarantee you’re not the only one that felt that way or will want to learn more as you now want to; shoot, I didn’t know all of that either. My thing is that folks in her realm hurt and are affected as much as anyone else. People feel, that’s just universal; also, folks feel at different levels for different things.

Patrick: What I loved about all this is that in the balance beam event—the only event in which Simone competed—she medaled. It was only a bronze medal, but that she competed in the event is wow. And, then, she rolls out and lands in the top three.

Donald: Also, this being her seventh career Olympic medal, she’s tied with Shannon Miller for the most by any athlete in gymnastics in Team USA history.

Russ: Simone, we got you. And, Patrick, Simone will be remembered for excellence in this Olympics: She’s taught us all something.

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