Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title in all-around, won in Rio 2016. The American has decided to give up the individual competition due to mental health problems. Yesterday she withdrew from the team competition, but still took the silver medal, as she participated in the first of the devices – the jump.
“I just didn’t want to go on”, said Simone Biles after a poor performance in the vault.
The US federation has confirmed that Simone Biles will not take part in the second final as she needs to focus on her health.
“After a medical evaluation, Simone Biles withdrew from the final of the individual all-around. We wholeheartedly support her decision to prioritize her health and applaud her for her courage. Her courage shows once again why she is a role model for so many people”, said the US Olympic Committee in a statement.
Simone Biles, 24, who arrived in Tokyo with the ambition to fight for six Olympic titles, has not yet decided whether she will participate in the four finals of the equipment, which are to take place next week.
After her second resignation, former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her support for her. “We are proud of you and support you”, wrote Michelle Obama on social media.
For the all-around, Simone Biles will be replaced by Jade Carey, who was ninth in qualifying.
Simone Biles is a four-time Rio 2016 Olympic champion.
Earlier, the US gymnast acknowledged mental health and psyche problems.
“I didn’t want to continue after that poor performance. I need to focus on my psyche and mental health. I think this is very important in sports right now. We must protect our psyche and bodies and not constantly do what the world expects of us”, said Simone Biles.
