Here's how you get a gold medal for mental healthcare


Simone Biles had an attack of the ‘twisties’ – the feeling like you’ve lost your sense of space and dimension while in mid-air – and dropped out of several gymnastics events at the Tokyo Olympics to care for her mental health. — Reuters

American gymnast Simone Biles made global headlines when she pulled out of the women’s team final as well as several individual events at the Tokyo Olympics last month. She said she was “prioritising her mental health over all else”.

It seems Biles had an attack of the “twisties”, what gymnasts call the apparently common problem of feeling like you’ve lost your sense of space and dimension while in mid-air. Which is a really bad time to lose your sense of space and dimension! Biles’ plight has been supported by most, and has really shone the spotlight on the mental wellbeing of athletes.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

Malaysian teen with Down syndrome takes on 100km run to raise RM50k for charity
How women are shaping the future of security
5 Malaysian bars listed in Asia's 50 Best Bars' 2026 extended 51-100 list
How to go big with microgardening and get a big harvest from a small space
Humans and great apes show similar rhythmic pattern in laughter
A new book of recipes from Lebanon spotlights villages scarred by war
Study: Politics affects our choice of partner
Big Smile, No Teeth: Betting on the wisdom of the crowds
Is your cat too fat? How to tell if your cat is obese
Noodle bar Jalinan celebrates the diversity of Malaysian food in inventive ways

Others Also Read