Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around final to focus on mental health

With the women’s individual all-around final at the Tokyo Olympics up next Thursday, Simone Biles has stepped down to focus on her mental health. Biles, 24, pulled out after one rotation of the women’s team final on Tuesday on Tokyo, with USA Gymnastics stating that it is yet to decide whether to withdraw from her four individual finals.

Biles exited the competition floor with the team doctor after her opening vault and scoring 13.766, the lowest mark of the first rotation. She stated that she thinks mental health is more prevalent is 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.’

USA Gymnastics also fully and wholeheartedly supported Simone’s decision, stating that they applaud her bravery in prioritising her wellbeing. ‘Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many’ the statement said. Biles pointed out she was not injured but rather made the decision to protect her mental health.

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Photo Source: USA Today