In reply to GrahamD:
Can happen to anyone.
I imagine that one of the largest stresses on successful sportspeople is the pressure to keep performing at the highest levels. As well as the self expectation, we all contribute to that pressure with our expectations, but that will always be the case.
The things we can do to help are:
- Knock down (I don't mean physically) anyone who basically says "don't be such a softie"
- Support the sufferer (on social media?) with "if you need a break (or whatever) then fair enough".
I think Biles has done a lot of good by publicising this issue. I'd certainly never heard of the "twisties" before but I can appreciate how it wouldn't be safe if mind and body aren't fully in tune. The dangers in cricket are slightly less obvious but would you want to face a 90mph bouncer if your mind wasn't properly focused.
In climbing we do this all the time (at a much lower magnitude) by backing off bold routes if it doesn't feel right, etc.