Simone Biles Withdraws from the Individual All-Around Gymnastics Competition
Update 7/28/21:
After undergoing another medical evaluation, Simone Biles has also withdrawn from the women's gymnastics individual all-around this week, according to USA Gymnastics. The decision comes after Biles opted out of competing in the Olympic gymnastics team final due to feeling "frustrated" and reportedly struggling emotionally amid the competition following an uncharacteristically low-scoring vault performance.
"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health," the statement said, per People. "Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week's individual event finals.
"Jade Carey, who had the ninth-highest score in qualifications, will participate in her place in the all-around," the statement continued. "We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."
The athlete expressed that she didn't want the stress she was enduring to affect her performance or that of the entire U.S. team.
"[I'm] just dealing with some things internally which will get fixed out in the next couple of days," Biles told reporters.
Original Story 7/27/21:
Simone Biles has exited the competition for the women's Olympic gymnastics team final in Tokyo.
Biles's shocking decision comes after an uncharacteristically low-scoring performance on the vault, her first event of the night and a category she normally dominates. Officials for USA Gymnastics have stated that Biles chose to withdraw due to a "medical issue" but wouldn't disclose any other information.
"Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue," USA Gymnastics said in a statement, per People. "She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
Following Biles's performance, which marked her lowest-scoring go at the vault category in her career, the athlete returned to the floor wearing warm-up gear to support the rest of her teammates throughout the competition. Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Grace McCallum continued on in the competition, facing off against their rivals, Russia.
Biles spoke with Hoda Kotb of The Today Show following the conclusion of the event and expressed that she felt physically fine following her performance.
"I’m OK, just super frustrated but super proud of these girls, and now we’re silver medalists,” said Biles during the interview. “[This is] something we'll cherish forever … we hope America still loves us.” The athlete continued, “Physically, I feel good. Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment.”
The U.S. gymnastics team also had a shaky start for the preliminary competition ahead of the final, which Biles reflected on via social media.
"It wasn't an easy day or my best but I got through it. I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times," Biles wrote on Instagram. "I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn't affect me but damn sometimes it's hard hahaha! The olympics is no joke! BUT I'm happy my family was able to be with me virtually🤍 they mean the world to me!"
You Might Also Like
