Simone Biles and the Strength to Step Back
At the Tokyo Olympics, the greatest gymnast in history did the bravest thing an athlete can do: she listened to her mind.
In 2021, mid-competition, Simone Biles withdrew from several Olympic finals. She described losing her air awareness mid-air — gymnasts call it the "twisties" — a genuinely dangerous state in a sport where a misjudged landing can end a career or worse. Instead of pushing through, she stepped back, protected herself, and said plainly that her mental health came first.
Why it was elite, not weak
The instant reaction from some was that she had "given up." The opposite was true. Recognising that your mind isn't in a state to perform safely — and acting on it under the brightest lights in sport — takes more self-awareness and courage than gritting your teeth ever could. She later returned to competition and continued to win, becoming the most decorated gymnast of all time.
What athletes can learn
- The mind is part of the body. Ignoring it doesn't make you tougher; it makes you brittle.
- Knowing when to stop is a skill. Self-awareness under pressure is trainable, and it protects long careers.
- Asking for help is strength. The best in the world work on their minds as deliberately as their bodies.
Protecting your mind isn't the opposite of performance. It's the foundation of it.
The one idea to keep
Toughness isn't ignoring your mind. It's being honest enough to look after it — and brave enough to come back.
Quick check-in: your mind & your sport
For athletes and coaches. Answer honestly.
1. When my mind feels off, I…
2. I treat mental training as…
3. Asking for help with the mental side feels…
4. I can tell when I'm mentally not in a fit state to compete.
5. My self-worth is tied to results.
Powering through at a cost
You may be carrying a "toughness equals silence" belief that looks strong but quietly puts you at risk of burnout and injury.
Where to start: learn to read your own mental state early, and treat the mind as part of your training — not a weakness to hide.
What could change if your mind was an ally, not a secret? → Book a consultation
Opening up to the mental game
You're starting to value the mind, but old "just push through" instincts still pull at you.
Where to grow: build real self-awareness and a support routine, so you protect both your performance and your long-term career.
Ready to train your mind like a pro? → Talk to ICOSI
Mentally professional
You read your state early, value mental training, and don't pin your whole worth on results. That's how long, healthy careers are built.
Where to go next: sharpening it under your highest-stakes moments — and modelling it for others.
Want to push the mental game to elite level? → Explore sport work