Olympic gymnast Jade Carey has recently opened up about her experience with the mental block known as the “twisties,” a condition that causes a disconnect between a gymnast’s mind and body, leading to confusion and a loss of spatial awareness during complex moves.
Understanding the ‘Twisties’
In an interview with Elle, published on July 17, Carey, 23, explained how the twisties affected her during a challenging phase of her career. “It’s something a lot of us go through,” Carey said. “A few years ago, I was learning all of these harder elite tumbling passes, and I started to confuse the two harder passes that I was learning. So it resulted in me not knowing where I was in the air and getting really confused.”
The gymnast described the frustration of experiencing this mental block: “It’s frustrating because you can see yourself do it in your head, and you know you know how to do it, because you’ve done it before, but your body is not allowing you to.” For athletes who rely on precision and timing, the twisties can be a terrifying and perplexing experience, forcing them to confront their own bodies in ways that feel out of their control.
Simone Biles and the ‘Twisties’
Carey’s struggle with the twisties is not unique. In 2021, fellow Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles made headlines when she withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics due to the mental block. Biles explained that the twisties left her unable to properly assess her position in the air, making it unsafe to complete her routines.
“I didn’t have a bad performance & quit,” Biles shared at the time. “I’ve had plenty of bad performances throughout my career and finished the competition. I simply got so lost [that] my safety was at risk as well as a team medal.” Biles’ decision to step back from competition highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health in high-pressure situations.
How Jade Carey Copes With the ‘Twisties’
When Carey faces the twisties, she relies on a methodical approach to reset her mind and body. “I always handled those situations by taking a step back, going back to the basics, building it back up again, or going into the pit until you feel really 100 percent confident,” she explained. “It is frustrating to have to go backwards, but it is part of this sport.” By revisiting fundamental techniques and allowing herself the time to recover mentally, Carey demonstrates resilience in the face of such a challenging experience.
Preparing for the 2024 Olympics
As Carey prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, her journey serves as a reminder that mental health is as crucial as physical strength in elite sports. She will represent Team USA alongside Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, and traveling alternates Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson. The 2024 Summer Olympics are set to begin on July 26 in Paris, where Carey will once again aim to showcase her incredible talent on the world stage.
Carey’s willingness to open up about the twisties and the mental hurdles she’s faced shows a level of vulnerability and strength that continues to inspire both fans and fellow athletes. Her determination and resilience are a testament to the importance of overcoming mental challenges, proving that athletes’ mental health is just as vital as their physical well-being in the pursuit of excellence.
