Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the women’s team gymnastic final on Tuesday.
The Russia Olympic Committee (ROC) took gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while Team USA took silver with 166.096 and Great Britain bronze with 164.096.
Biles has admittedly had a rough start at this Olympics.
On Tuesday, she landed shakily as she performed one-and-a-half during her time on the vault. Gasps were heard throughout the audience.
“Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue,” said a USA Gymnastics statement. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions. Thinking of you, Simone!”
Biles disputed US Gymnastics’ claims that her withdrawal was down to a “medical issue.”
Biles told reporters that she was “dealing with things internally,” adding it was best for the team for her to shine.
“I just felt like it would be a little bit better to take a backseat,” Biles said. “Work on my mindfulness. I knew the girls would do a great job, and I didn’t want to risk a team medal for my screw-ups.”
On Monday, Biles spoke out about her slow start in Tokyo. Biles finished first in vault and in the all-around, but second in floor, third in the balance beam and eighth in the uneven bars. There is a lot of pressure for Biles to bring home five gold medals at this Olympics. Something she has expressed openly.
“It wasn’t an easy day or my best but I got through it,” Biles wrote on social media. “I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. 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!”
Our heart goes out to Simone Biles. We hope to see her back in action soon.
