Bravely, Simone Biles has spoken up about the real reason she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday.
Her exit sent shockwaves through the global following she’s garnered over the years when she pulled out moments into the women’s gymnastics team final in Japan. The 24-year-old attempted the vault first, where she completed 1.5 rotations instead of 2.5, landing her a score of 13.766.
Then, the shock announcement from USA gymnastics confirming Simone would not compete any further in the team final, citing a “medical issue”.
“She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” the US association stated at the time.
But speaking to media several hours after the withdrawal, Simone revealed there was nothing wrong with her physically.
“Physically I feel good, I’m in shape,” she told NBC.
“Emotionally … that kind of varies on the time and the moment.”
Simone opened up further about her decision to withdraw from the final, rightfully explaining the pressure of being the “star” athlete and the expectation that entails can be a challenge.
“Coming here to the Olympics and being the head star of the Olympics is not an easy feat so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time and we’ll see,” she said.
It’s an incredibly brave and eye-opening statement from the gymnast, who has long been lauded as one of the world’s most talented athletes. Her mental health revelation is an incredibly important reminder that she’s only human.
In the aftermath of the finale, Biles continued to relay why speaking up about mental health, particularly for athletes, is more important than ever.
“I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now … we have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.”
In an Instagram post ahead of her team final, Simone referenced the overwhelming amount of pressure she felt, writing: “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.”
Following the final on Tuesday evening, she shared another update to Instagram celebrating her team, who still went on to win a silver medal.
“I’m SO proud of these girls right here,” she penned.
“You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I’ll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity! They stepped up when I couldn’t. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y’all.”
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