Tokyo Olympics: Gymnast Simone Biles withdraws from finals citing mental health issues
Simone Biles is the biggest name in world gymnastics currently. However, she has decided not to compete in the final of the Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health issues.
FollowIn what comes as a significant shock for the United States of America and the gymnastics world, top gymnast Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Consequently, it means the USA would finish without a near-certain gold medal.
The reason for her withdrawal happens to be mental health issue she suffered following an error on the vault, leading to a low score for her. Consequently, the Americans competed with just three members, thereby finishing second to Russia.
"Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions," USA Gymnastics stated in a release on Tuesday.
"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health. Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals," a further statement on Wednesday read.
Simone had also qualified for the finals of the individual events: all-around, floor exercise, beam, vault and uneven bars. She attempted the Yurchenko vault, consisting of two-and-a-half twists, but could only come up with a one-and-a-half twist, while her knees buckled upon landing as she avoided contact with the ground, besides finishing with a score of 13.766, her lowest in years.
"I think they get a gold medal in fighting. They never gave up. And look at them, they did exactly what I said they would do, they were going to go out there and do what they were supposed to. Now, they're Olympic silver medallists," told Biles to Olympics.
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