This story was updated on July 28, 2021
July 27, 2021 – American gymnastics superstar Simone Biles retired from individual competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, the day after she withdrew from the team competition final due to struggling with mental health problems.
After the US women won the silver medal and finished second behind the Russian Olympic Committee team, Biles said she was stepping back to “focus on my well-being.”
“There is more to life than just gymnastics,” said Biles. “It is very unfortunate that it happened at this stage.”
Now Biles, four-time gold medalist, has also withdrawn from the individual events.
“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her courage to put her well-being first,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement to the New York Times. “Her courage shows once more while she is a role model for so many.”
There is still a chance that Biles could compete in the event finals next week.
Her decision to leave the team competition came after she struggled on her first jump.
“Physically, I feel good, I’m in good shape,” Biles told the Today show on Tuesday. “Emotionally it varies depending on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being the lead actor is not an easy task, so let’s just try one day at a time and we’ll see.”
USA Gymnastics initially said a medical issue was causing Biles to withdraw.
“Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final due to a medical problem. She is being examined daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” USA Gymnastics said on Twitter.
Considered the greatest gymnast in history, Biles hoped to lead the US to a third straight gold medal in team competition but withdrew from the event after a surprise landing from the vault, ESPN reported.
She was supposed to do 2½ turns in the air, but seemed to change her mind in the air and instead made 1½ turns, according to ESPN.
She then spoke to a coach before leaving the competition hall with the team doctor. She returned a few minutes later, hugged her teammates, put on her warm-ups, and cheered the team on for the remainder of the competition.
It’s unclear whether 24-year-old Biles will be available for the all-around final and other events on Thursday, ESPN reported. At the 2016 Summer Games, she won five medals in Rio de Janeiro and had the chance to win five more in Tokyo.
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