United States gymnastics superstar Simone Biles withdraw from Tokyo Olympic

Analysis Knight Rider

United States gymnastics superstar Simone Biles withdraw from Tokyo Olympic

United States gymnastics superstar Simone Biles withdraw from Tokyo Olympic
Simone Biles, a gymnastics superstar, withdrew from the women's team final at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday due to "mental health" issues (Jul 27).

"I have to focus on my mental health and not sacrifice my health and welfare," the 24-year-old American stated after the Russian quintet defeated her team while she was away.

Biles had been leading the US women's gymnastics team in defence of their title, and she was seeking to add to her four gold medals from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Biles went off the competition floor after a lacklustre opening vault in the final at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre before returning a short time later.

The US team immediately withdrew her participation in the rest of the final.

Biles, a four-time Olympic winner, stated she had not been harmed after joining her colleagues to accept their silver medals.

If Biles cannot compete in Tokyo, it will be a shocking turn of events at a Games she was widely anticipated to win.

She endeavoured to become the first woman to retain the all-around championship in more than half a century. She stood a good chance of matching Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina's nine Olympic gold medals.