It is indeed possible. Sometimes it's known as the "yips", and it's a mental thing. In professional baseball, there have been players who have thrown, run, hit, etc. their whole lives and careers...and (for random and odd mental reasons) all of a sudden lose the ability to do something as simple as throw the ball from second base to first base. (For an example, Google Chuck Knoblauch, Yips). They just throw it straight into the dirt, or send it sailing way over the head of the firstbaseman.
From what I've been hearing (from gymnasts that have been speaking on this)....there is a gymnastics version of the yips. And I get that it can be very unnerving...because a lot of those incredible jumps and flips they do....rely on a confidence and trust in knowing exactly where your body is in the air, and how it will land. Mistakes can be disastrous. Now....amplify that by being on a global stage....one in which you're expected to do the best and be the best ever.
I get how that can psych you right out. And I think that is much of what's happening with Biles. I think she's emotionally spent, the moment got too big, and as the nerves began to affect her performance, it began to perpetuate. The more the mistakes happened, the more pressure she felt on the next routine. This all makes sense to me. Now....some would say: Part of being a world champion is the ability to power through the mental part of it all.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Biles situation. Do I think she's a "quitter"? Not really. I think SHE feels....if she continues, her routines could be disastrous and embarrassing on an international stage. And, she's simply being honest that she's not in the right headspace to perform at the level expected of her. You could still fake it in some sports, like basketball....or on a rowing team, etc. But not in an individualized sport....in which there are minute differences between a stuck landing....and a disastrous (and perhaps injury-inducing) fall from a balance beam, vault, etc...
I wish her well. She's a tremendous athlete, and seems like a good person.
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TinaKimo (869)
3 years ago
Yes, in gymnastics its called, the twisties. I think I (mp) it. Anyway, I loved your response, thanks.
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BeaSouth (2767)
3 years ago
I am concerned about the trend of young women airing undiagnosed mental illness to misappropriate victimhood. But I don’t perceive that here. I have to agree with your take here. You were very nuanced and willing to give a fellow human the benefit of the doubt. We need to be doing that more. I also think that a person who has her accomplishments deserves discretion to make her own judgment calls.
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