Simone Biles posts statement on Instagram following Olympic withdrawal

After withdrawing from the women’s gymnastics team event at the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles posted an emotional statement to her Instagram.

Simone Biles has been nothing but supportive of her Team USA gymnastics teammates since withdrawing from the women’s team final on Tuesday. Even after her surprise early exit, Biles remained on the sidelines to cheer on her fellow Americans as they persevered to win a silver medal.

Biles then took to Instagram to post a thank you to her squad for having her back during a day when she simply wasn’t in the right headspace to compete at her best.

“I’m SO proud of these girls right here,” Biles’ post reads. “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.”

Biles thankful to USA Gymnastics teammates

Biles’ post was directed towards her silver medal-winning teammates Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum. She was thankful for their understanding and determination to reach the podium. But truthfully, no one should complain about Biles’ decision. If she was unable to compete at her best, letting her teammates step up was the right thing to do.

There is an immense amount of pressure on Biles to excel once again at the Olympics. Already the GOAT of women’s gymnastics, Biles doesn’t need more athletic accolades. She has six Olympic medals – four of them gold – and 19 world championship titles. Competing in Tokyo is about more than hardware.

Biles is the face of the US Olympic team, a sexual assault survivor, and a black woman in America. She continues to compete in order to help ensure change happens for athletes that come after her. In short, Biles has the weight of the world on her shoulders.

In prioritizing her mental health on an uncharacteristic day when her focus wasn’t quite where she needed to be, Biles showed maturity and leadership beyond her years. She doesn’t need to explain herself, but in doing so she became a champion for mental health and athlete’s rights. It’s the latest moment in Biles’ outspoken advocacy for things that matter far beyond sport, and for that, we thank her.