Don't call Simone Biles return a comeback: Kathy Johnson Clarke | Morning in America

[@dennyr212]

What a classy handling of the interview by Kathy Johnson. Every point so well stated. Can't wait to see Simone. She is amazing and fun to watch. Simone is just a great human!

[@kss-6048]

It's fascinating how every single gymnast who's weighed in on this situation has been extremely understanding and supportive of Simone, while so many other non-gymnasts who have likely never done a handspring with a single twist in their lives have had and continue to have the most to say about who she is and what she's capable of as an athlete and competitor. Just take a second to conceptualize what she does. Her most difficult skill, the MOST difficult skill in all of Women's Artistic Gymnastics currently, consists of two backwards somersaults with three twists. That's two backwards rotations at the SAME TIME as three longitudinal axis rotations. She rotates SIMULTANEOUSLY along two axes...IN THE AIR. Every single one of her other floor skills, as well as her vaults, her most difficult beam skills and uneven bar skills require this level of motion. Do you seriously want someone with a mental block, regardless of the type, to be competing these skills?? The consequences of a misstep or a losing spatial awareness isn't just a fall or a minor injury. It could quite literally be paralysis or immediate death, even without any sort of mental block. Is a team medal really worth this risk? I've never done team sports, so maybe I don't understand the gravity of a team competition, but I don't think we should expect any athlete to quite literally risk death for a win. It was a team competition. She was part of a TEAM. Were the other athletes not capable? Was that not how they qualified to be there? Yes, her inability to participate was a loss to the team, but this entire situation has been extremely dismissive to these other athletes who've also worked their entire lives to make it onto that team. Sure, the result could have been better, but can't all results? Those women all stepped up to the challenge, and did extremely well given the circumstances. Is that not something to be proud of? Should that not be what we're highlighting? Regardless, I'm so happy that she's now well enough to compete, and I wish her all the best!

[@mariusa.5863]

Well said. It's sad though this isn't plain as day to anyone who has seen her do a single acrobatic skill (or any other elite gymnast for that matter).

[@pinklabbit]

Well said. Online commentators don't seem to recognise the crazy amount of (a) risk, (b) courage, and (c) training it takes to propel yourself into the air, twisting and turning. Heck, the deadlifts I do in the gym are not even 1/8 of what these girls do!

[@Moon-Marie]

Thank you.

[@onlyLEXception]

👏👏👏👏

[@annettenettienet8880]

So very well said and everything you wrote is right on the money! It's easy for those who aren't the ones risking there health mental or physical, there career or even there life to talk smack. These young ladys DESERVE a whole lot more RESPECT!

[@sammy4634]

I absolutely love Kathy Johnson (I hope I spelled her name correctly). She’s great at her job. I listen to her describe gymnastic routines in the NCAA without so much negativity like other commentators. She’s the best gymnastic commentator.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

She remembers how tough it was, then they made it even tougher with more difficult skills.

[@karyon1007]

She's such a gifted communicator who seems to just genuinely love the sport and the competitors ❤

[@carolinaholland9341]

Agreed 100%!

[@heatherwicker9990]

Agreed. I’ve always loved her commentary. She was a wicked good competitor too! ❤❤❤

[@sofabee1]

I love her too. I've seen her live when she was a competitor. Such a joy to watch and so honest in her performances and comemtary.

[@graceelizabeth2943]

Fantastic guest. She actually knew what she was talking about!

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

I’m glad she took some time off for herself! Can’t wait to see her dominate the sport!! Love you Simone!!!

[@leahvatson6379]

I love Kathy!!! She explains everything so well!!

[@christopherdivito3365]

No one is better than KJC! So smart and also an amazing gymnast herself! ❤

[@dionnehemphill469]

I LOVED Kathy Johnson as a gymnast. I was a fan way back when, still one now! 🥰

[@elizabethhurley1129]

Me, too!

[@lunadelux]

Kathy Johnson is a class act. Love her! And she's right! As LL Cool J said, "Don't call it a come back, I've been here for years. I'm rockin' my peers, puttin' suckers in fear!"

[@SandyKH]

We love you, Simone! Can't wait to see you. We are all rooting for you!

[@kevinjewell233]

The twisties is a disconnect between the brain and the inner ear where gymnasts, acrobats, divers and figure skaters feel their place in space as they are spinning and flipping, muscle memory helps a lot but that inner ear allows us to land on our feet...or hands..the awareness is lost and the athlete is confused.

[@NYCBlonde]

Kathy Johnson is such a class act. (And I CANNOT WAIT to see Simone compete again!)

[@caioparaguassu438]

Kathy Johnson is so lovely.

[@somuchsomany6290]

Kathy Johnson is as good as they get. I can’t wait for the rise of Simone 2023-2024 edition to begin!❤

[@Cmc995]

Kathy has to be one of the nicest people ever. She really should write a book about her life and gymnastics experience, would love listening to her on audible.

[@FigureNastics]

During Covid she did like a 2 hour interview with Dave Lease from The Skating Lesson. It's long but wonderful ❤

[@orangemoonglows2692]

i recall watching the live online broadcast of that competition. on the vault replay, i clearly remember the female commentator (whose name i don't recall) saying simone got lost in the air. she saw it clear as day without getting confirmation from anyone. i was surprised by people's reaction to simone's decision to pull out and that people still don't understand what happened.

[@nancynewman1356]

I love Simone and how she has pursued her sport with dignity and thoughtfulness. I also love Kathy and all she does and continues to do to enhance the sport of gymnastics. Both of these woman are role models and heroes.

[@Laura-ch7fl]

Love Kathy Johnson.

[@UrbanCastle]

Always classy. Always thoughtful. Always informed and informative. There are several queens of the sport. Kathy Johnson-Clarke is the Mother Queen of Gymnastics.

[@elizabethhurley1129]

I have always liked Kathy Johnson. Someone hire her to comment on gymnastics, please.

[@wendyaultman3252]

Um.... she does commentate. She calls NCAA meets every season as well as other USAG events. She’s incredible.

[@elizabethhurley1129]

@@wendyaultman3252 I should have said Olympic level commentator.

[@KatherineSong-e5o]

I’m so glad Kathy is explaining this and this puts everyone who criticized Simone in their place. Im excited to see Simone back

[@brianjohnson3855]

Simone Biles is unique athlete and is very prepared in her profession. She is a legend in Olympics gymnast.

[@Gypsy1194]

Can't wait to see her performing again!❤

[@sasuke6188]

The way she explained the twisties sounds terrifying.

[@susantescione8007]

I 100 percent agree.

[@lhbfiness1251]

Well put Kathy Johnson Clarke

[@tjo1994]

Let's not forget majority of the female gymnastics athletes were also dealing with facing the person who sexual assaulted them and they really didn't have time to truly process those feelings. The women of U.S. gymnastics are a true testament to the strength of women.

[@Glycam]

And the pressure begins

[@realestatetipsbyakileach6032]

2:49 we used to call it TUMBLERS BLOCK in the 90's

[@andyteechannel3634]

Good to hear Gymnastic Commissioner say these nice things about Sione Biles..👍🏽✌️👌🏼

[@gabrielmoro3d]

Awesome!

[@coolbeanys]

It absolutely is a comeback from her dissapointing showing in tokyo. I hope she finishes with gold in Paris 2024

[@ericapierce6727]

I wish Simone Biles so much happiness on her achievement and her marriage. She will do great and will not choke. And leave her hair alone jealous women She is perfect just as she is.❤

[@heatherwicker9990]

She didn’t choke. She had a mental block related to the stress of being a SA victim and all the bullshit with USAG. She didn’t choke. She wasn’t supported by her own federation.

[@riabright2815]

SIMON Biles needs a DNA test. HE can't even point HIS toes. Andrade can't point his toes either & nor could Retton..................... The idea we are "jealous" of the hair of this man is hilarious! He's GROSS

[@gc5808]

I don’t think Simone would ever need a voucher but if she did, Kathy’s her person lol. Nobody understands people AS people, before an athlete, as well as Kathy. Also the fact that she knows every technical aspect of gymnastics from a coach’s, gymnast’s, and judge’s perspective.

[@lisacenteno9522]

Crud, most ppl can’t do a forward roll! Everything she does is super difficult! SB is the queen ox tumbling and she never left… she needed time to regroup. So I suggest all the other gymnast buckle up

[@Simon-oy7kf]

It's still a comeback though and she had a partner before she took a break as well

[@lloydyiliscupidez5250]

God Bless the Sports and Democracy in the United States

[@pme8370]

Yup I don’t think this was the twisties I think it had to do with a lack of confidence but I remember trying to do a back flip with a full twist and I twisted halfway around, curled into a ball and landed in a heap. My coach and I were terrified. We tabled that skill at that moment and went back to it later. There are so many things that can go wrong in gymnastics. Even the best in the world can take nothing for granted.

[@olga159]

If you are watching a Simone Biles video, and dont know what twisties is, where have you been?

[@greenhornet8262]

Simone just works so hard and shes so beautiful. I just want to please her

[@TheGymnast71]

I love Kathy Johnson. But Simone Biles quit during the most important meet of her life. I cant watch her anymore

[@riabright2815]

SIMON Biles needs a DNA test. HE can't even point HIS toes. Andrade can't point his toes either & nor could Retton.....................

[@AcroLyricalJazz]

they are all Olympic champions.. and you’re a troll. lol bye

[@ctruth6185]

Guess that's why Komova lost he's is a dead ringer for Trevor Lawrence. Should've given her a DNA. They said that she was a he, who failed the chromosome test. That's the story of Viktor Komova.

[@trochantermainsign8874]

Not just a DNA test but that would be a good start. There are XY females out there but they are sterile and have to take hormones the rest of their lives. But XY females have a uterus and all other lady parts and have female hips. WE dont know if simone biles has a uterus and we can only infer she doesnt have the pelvic structure of a female. A 3d pelvic CAT scan would cover that aspect and a tummy MRI would verify or not verify the presence of a uterus Now an MRI covering the tummy and pelvis would cover both aspects. No utetus & No female pelvic bone shape would mean its not a woman.

[@lorihuff7511]

Simone Biles is so selfish.

[@U2BearCat]

Why?

[@trochantermainsign8874]

Not sure about Simone being selfish but i am 99.998% confident that Simone Biles is a biological male. "she" can fake some of womens behavior....but that male shaped body should be moved over to the male gymnastics pervue.....not in womens gymnastics

[@ctruth6185]

Simone Biles has every right to compete. You're just afraid the sorry, also rans you cheer for can't cut it.

[@trochantermainsign8874]

@@ctruth6185 Yeah. Simone has every right to compete...but they should check to see if Simone is a biological female. Many rightly think she is a transgendered male which gives Simone unfair advantages in this female sport. Just look at Venus and Serena Williams in tennis: it is extremely unlikely those two players are biological women....and Serena is married to a FTM transgendered "man" that may have given birth to their daughter while Serena wa s using hollywood props to fake a pregnancy

[@lorihuff7511]

@@ctruth6185 She should let young gymnasts chance to go Olympic.

[@georgewashington3012]

Oh please. She choked and now she’s trying to come back and not choke. Nothing wrong with that but don’t avoid calling it what it is.

[@ninjagirl226]

Yes. And that’s what annoys me. When my team needed me and I was choking I was told to suck it up my team needed me to perform. It really really bugs me when they say it’s best for everyone to step away and leave her teammates high and dry. Not cool. She can try again but if she backs out again cause she can’t take the pressure then I will be livid at the entitlement because she took a spot from another girl. And in all this she can inspire the next generation as a coach but nope.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

@@ninjagirl226 and how did you do??

[@mymovies5410]

CNN and other USA sources are lying. She wasn't out of gymnastics Olympics because of focal dystopia, more likely she was mentally traumatised because of sexual abuse from that USA 🇺🇸 gymnastics doctor/coach. NBC News; WASHINGTON (2021)- "Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, considered one of the world’s greatest gymnasts😂, broke down in tears Wednesday as she shared her story of being sexually abused by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar". And do you know why she is considered one of the world's greatest gymnasts? Probably because the USA made sure she got that reputation for patriotic reasons. The judges were always western judges, a lot of them no doubt Americans who have a corrupt system of awarding points to robots (Probably on steroids) rather than awarding points for creative balletic art. Hence the Russian gymnasts like Mustafina and Komova who put lots of creativity and balletic art into their gymnastics were treated totally unfairly by anti-russian judges. This has gone on for years with Americans rigging the events (like 2012) so that they are known for having the best gymnasts. USA/CNN, you are not fooling us.😂

[@90SecondsDreamComingTrue]

I am always surprised for the criticism. Why would anyone want her to be paralyzed in a wheelchair? Y'all are wacked. If you understand the sport at all, you'd realize this is a once every 100 years athlete! We have not seen a woman like this since woman were allowed to compete in the modern sport in 1952. She is beyond incredible. I truly think if she had continued and gotten seriously hurt, gymnastics and the Olympics would have taken a massive hit. We don't want people competing unless they can flip and twist without getting lost. If Simone had not been able to finish on floor during the team final her teammates would have came in last and no medal. They needed to replace her on these events quickly, it is not a "we can go and see what happens" situation.

[@georgewashington3012]

@@90SecondsDreamComingTrue She didn’t get “the twisties”. That’s the narrative that came out much later. What she said initially when she pulled out was that she was having a panic attack. In other words, she choked. Hey, we all choke at times but the point is to not run from it and pretend like it was something else after initially stating it was a panic attack. It’s the lie that pisses people off. And yes, some are irritated that she choked on a world stage. Athletes at that level are expected to be above that.

[@eddieschultz3289]

Oh cmon people stop drinking the simone kool- aid she had her timeand yes she was great but she choked on the biggest stage and let her team down, let's call it what it is move on with your life and let some of these younger girls get their shot

[@greenhornet8262]

Dumbest comment award 👏👏👏😊

[@roachums123]

The younger girls need to earn their shot just like everyone else. They will be on the team if they earn it, not simply because they're new. That's how elite competition works, and rightly so.

[@eddieschultz3289]

@@roachums123 oh stop Simone needs to move on with her now she wants to be a member of the team let me guess she misses it, foh she chokes Big time and all of a sudden she wants to make a comeback...funny how during the Olympics not before she says she's mentally not into it after she can land her dismounts.. hmmmm very interesting

[@Cmc995]

‘Choked on the biggest stage’ at her second Olympics during a pandemic lol who cares. get over it, she’s human. Let’s see you do half of what these gymnasts do. I’m not drinking the Simone koolaid, as she’s not my favorite gymnast but people making comments like this are ignorant, and I somehow doubt if she was a white gymnast you’d be here commenting this…

[@eddieschultz3289]

@@Cmc995 nothing to do with race cmon get over your self.. smh

[@daves9164]

Don't look for her to be a competitor. She will freak out again and won't perform

[@ericapierce6727]

Hater

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

I’ll bet you an “I was wrong” post and the winner tagged boo!

[@carolynrabbani6469]

Ummm...do you know that she dominated the sport for years, won more world medals than anyone else, and competed with a kidney stone? If you actually listen to Kethy Johnson, a gymnast who actually knows the sport, in stead of having a knee jerk reaction, it would help.

[@Bxyxox]

You fools need to stop commenting on gymnastics when you have no idea what you’re talking about, it’s laughable

[@glennelvendahl9492]

Let's make a bet