On Tuesday, US gymnast and world champion Simon Biles dropped out of the women’s team event in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics after a shaky start at the opening vault. After the lackluster opening, she briefly exited the competition floor, before returning to join her teammates as a spectator while the US team surrendered the gold medal to Russia.
As the 4-time Olympic champion joined her teammates to collect the silver medals, she confirmed that she had not been injured, NDTV reports. Teary-eyed, she stated, “I just don’t trust myself as much as I used to, and I don’t know if it’s age. I’m a little bit more nervous when I do gymnastics. I feel like I’m also not having as much fun, and I know that this Olympic Games, I wanted it to be for myself. It just sucks that it happens here at the Olympics Games… with the year that it’s been, I’m really not surprised the way it played out.”
She also addressed her decision to pull out from the final in a press conference:
In a candid Instagram post, the 24-year-old added that she was feeling the pressure during the qualifying preliminary rounds on Sunday itself. She wrote, “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…the Olympics is no joke!”
From fellow athletes of the sporting community to Sarah Hirshland who’s the Chief Executive of the US Olympic Committee, support poured in for Simone on social media:
Simone, you’ve made us so proud. Proud of who you are as a person, teammate and athlete. We applaud your decision to prioritize your mental wellness over all else, and offer you the full support and resources of our Team USA community as you navigate the journey ahead.
— Sarah Hirshland (@USOPC_CEO) July 27, 2021
Sending nothing but love and positivity to the 🐐 @Simone_Biles
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) July 27, 2021
I can't imagine the pressure Simone has been feeling. Sending her SO much love. It easy to forget she's still human. WE LOVE YOU.
— Adam Rippon (@AdamRippon) July 27, 2021
Don’t know about you but I think @Simone_Biles just empowered everyone to put their mental well-being above everything else. WHAT A QUEEN. GOAT in more ways than one. ♥️
— Danusia Francis (@danusiafrancis) July 27, 2021
.@Simone_Biles keep whipping out that smile of yours cause it is undeniably golden. Always.
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) July 27, 2021
My father was the ultimate high achiever. He also struggled w mental health his entire life. So when I see @Simone_Biles voicing her own struggles, it gives me hope, not despair. Hope because it will move the ball forward to removing the stigma that is obviously still there
— Harry Arnett (@harryarnett) July 27, 2021
Super proud of USA gymnast @Simone_Biles for prioritizing mental health over achievement. Too often we push ourselves too far thinking that's what is required to be loved and happy. However, sometimes it's not about another metal or award – it's about being human and breathing.
— Kristopher B. Jones (@krisjonescom) July 27, 2021
USA gymnastics also issued a statement stating, “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.”
What do you think of her decision? Tell us.
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