With the 2020 Olympics underway in Tokyo, all eyes are on Simone Biles and the U.S.
gymnastics teams.
She has a total of five career Olympic medals coming into this year’s competition — including
four gold and one bronze — after launching to super-stardom after the Summer Games in
2016.
On July 25th, she took center stage as teams competed in the women's gymnastics qualifying
rounds.
Unfortunately, Team USA did not have their best start, and for the first time in 11 years,
were not at the the top of the standings after that qualifying round.
Biles reflected on her shaky preliminary competition performance, writing via Instagram:
"It wasn't an easy day or my best but I got through it.
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!
BUT I'm happy my family was able to be with me virtually.
They mean the world to me!"
However, ahead of the Olympic Team Finals, news emerged that Biles has pulled out of
competition.
Biles' struggled to land a vault — slipping and practically landing on her knees.
She received a 13.766 for her attempt and shortly thereafter spoke with trainers.
USA Gymnastics spokeswoman Carol Fabrizio confirmed the news to People on July 27th
that Biles would miss the finals.
She said in a statement.
"Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.
She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
According to USA Today, the Olympic athlete was "visibly upset" as she talked to her coaches
and team doctor.
It seems she was preparing to compete in the uneven bars, but ultimately she did not — instead
watching "as her teammates continued through the meet."
Despite being heavy favorites — and still a very talented team without Biles — Team
USA ended up with a Silver medal in the team competition.
The Russian Olympic Committee won Gold.
Russia, the country, is banned from the Olympics due to doping issues, but their athletes can
compete in a “federation” type committee, hence the odd naming there.
Simone Biles previously opened up about a foot injury she suffered in 2019 during a
May episode of her Facebook Watch series, "Simone vs. Herself," which might explain
her unexpected exit from the Olympics.
She detailed the injury, explaining that she aggravated the ligament in her foot while
training.
Biles said at the time.
"So 2019 after Worlds I landed completely the wrong way on floor and partially tore
a ligament in my foot.
And then maybe two, three weeks ago, I landed short on a triple-double and I was still kind
of sideways coming in and I think I re-irritated those ligaments.
"
But that nagging foot injury is not the real reason she pulled out of the Olympics, though.
Broadcasters covering the event said her exit was not "injury related" and that her coach
suggested "it's a mental issue that Simone is having," as reported by NBC News.
Following the ROC upset of Team USA, Biles confirmed her personal struggles to the media.
“Whenever you get in a high stress situation you kind of freak out.
I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and wellbeing.
[...] It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head."
Her profile has certainly risen in the last four years, and she has remained in the media
spotlight, with that shine ever increasing as the games approached.
Even before Biles commented on the situation, fans rallied around her for support.
One person wrote,
"Extremely proud of @Simone_Biles for representing Team USA, but even more proud of her for taking
care of her mental health."
Another added,
"I'm so happy these athletes are focusing on their mental health.
It's just as important as their physical health.
We love you, @Simone_Biles!
You're amazing!
Take care of yourself, sis."
As to if Biles will compete on Thursday, July 29th, in the individuals, she’s undecided,
telling NBC’s Hota Kotb,
"We're gonna take it day by day, and we're just gonna see,"
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text
Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI
(6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.