Australia

Simone Biles withdraws from Tokyo all-around competition to focus on her mental health



Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title in the women’s gymnastics all-around program after withdrawing from the competition to focus on her mental health.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement that the 24-year-old was opting to not compete.

The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she was not mentally ready.

“After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics, in order to focus on her mental health,” USA Gymnastics said.

“Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to detemrine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals.”

USA Gymnastics said it “wholeheartedly” supported Biles’s decision and applauded “her bravery in prioritising her wellbeing”.

“Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many,” USA Gymnastics said.

Biles, 24, withdrew from her team event on Tuesday evening after a single vault.

“After the performance I did, I just didn’t want to go on,” said Biles, who picked up her sixth Olympic medal for being part of the US squad that went on to place second behind the ROC team.

Biles was to appear in all six gymnastics event finals. And a sweep of the gold medals would have given her 10, making her the most accomplished woman Olympian in any sport.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson Mark Adams had said earlier on Wednesday the IOC had “huge respect and support” for Biles.

Adams said mental health remained a big issue and it was a matter the organisation had been working on for some time.

More to come.

AP/Reuters



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