The Tokyo Olympics took a turn on Tuesday when Simone Biles pulled out of the gymnastics team finals due to what USA Gymnastics has called a “medical issue.” Team USA still won silver in the event, while Russia got the gold.
According to NBC, during the competition, Biles walked off the floor after an uncharacteristically flawed leap and was seen by Team USA medical trainers. A statement released by USA Gymnastics said, “Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.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.” NBC also stated that the gymnast may be dealing with a mental health issue. Biles’ coach told the outlet, “Physically she is fine. But she is done for the night.”
Biles’ teammates Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Grace McCallum completed the team event finals, gaining the silver medal as the Russian Olympic Team took the gold. Biles stuck around to cheer on her teammates as they performed.
On Monday, the gymnast opened up about her mental health on Instagram after the Olympic gymnastics qualifications, writing, “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!” Prior to the Olympics, Biles discussed her ankle injuries in an interview with The New York Times and said the happiest moment of her career was “probably my time off.”
It’s still unclear if Biles is to compete in other events. However, she has qualified for all of them: individual all-around, beam, vault, floor, and uneven bars. She placed first in the all-around during qualifications, and coming into these Olympics, she was anticipated to defend her 2016 gold in the event.
Olympic gold medalist and Biles’ former Olympic teammate, Aly Raisman, told TODAY that she felt “sick to her stomach” when learning about Biles’ departure. “I am obviously so worried and just hoping that Simone is okay,” she stated.
“I also am just thinking about the mental impact that this has to have on Simone,” she continued. “It’s just so much pressure, and I’ve bee watching how much pressure has been on her in the months leading up to the Games, and it’s just devastating.”
If there’s one thing we all know, it’s that Simone Biles will always be a champion, hands down. No matter what. We can only hope she gets back in the Games.
