A day after her shock exit in the women's gymnastics team final, Team USA's Simone Biles has decided to also withdraw her participation from Thursday's individual all-around final in a stunning blow to Tokyo Olympics organizers.
USA Gymnastics made the announcement on Wednesday, saying, "After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health." USA Gymnastics concluded its statement by adding, "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."
Biles succumbs to pressure in Tokyo
Biles entered the Tokyo Olympics as one of the United States' main gold medal hopefuls. She made a star turn in the 2016 Rio Games, bagging a total of six medals, four of which were golds. Biles was under so much pressure to replicate that feat in Japan, but the Olympic competition's stress ultimately took a toll on her.
Cracks began to surface on Monday when Biles posted a message on Instagram about the weight of expectations placed upon her after a sloppy performance during qualifying. Biles said, "It wasn't an easy day or my best but I got through it." She then added, "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!"
The pressure eventually got to her on Tuesday at the start of the women's team competition. When she failed to execute a proper Amanar vault with her opening routine, Biles decided her night was done.
After consulting with team doctor Marcia Faustin, Biles pulled out of the team competition and gave the floor to Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Grace McCallum. Biles remained in the arena as she cheered on her teammates in the finals, who ended up winning the silver medal behind the Russians.
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No more Biles in the Olympics?
With Biles' decision to skip the individual all-around competition, it will be interesting to see whether Tuesday's team finals is the last time we see the four-time gold medalist in an Olympic setting. Biles has qualified for the finals in all four apparatuses in the Tokyo Olympics. USA Gymnastics said she would soon be evaluated if she can compete in those events.
Taking Biles' place in Thursday's all-around finals is Jade Carey. She initially did not qualify after placing behind compatriots Biles and Lee with International Gymnastics Federation rules stating that countries are limited to just two athletes per event in the finals. Carey has now been given a golden opportunity to win an event that was long considered to be a foregone conclusion due to Biles' dominance.
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