Why did Simone Biles withdraw from the Olympics Gymnastics Team Final?
By Josh Hill
Why did Simone Biles withdraw from the Olympics, and what happens next for the all-time
The Olympics Gymnastics Women’s Team Final took an unfortunate turn on Tuesday when Simone Biles unexpectedly withdrew from the competition in the middle of the event.
Her withdrawal was initially left unexplained, with speculation as to why she chose to remove herself running rampant. It was initially called an injury but the explanation was later modified to better reflect what had actually happened.
With Biles out of the Women’s Team Final, Jordan Chiles filled in alongside Suni Lee and Grace McCallum. At the time of her withdrawal, Biles was attempting to complete the vault portion of the competition in an effort to help Team USA catch the lead that had been build on the scoreboard by the Russian Olympic Comittee.
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened with Simone Biles and why.
Simone Biles out of Team Competition at Tokyo Olympics
Biles withdrew from the Women’s Team Final, but that doesn’t mean her Olympics is over. Team USA is still competing in the individual competition, which is slated to take place next week.
While no official word has been given, there is hope that Biles will be able to compete in that event.
Why did Simone Biles withdraw from Olympics?
Initially, it was speculated that Biles had suffered an injury during the vault portion of the competition. NBC’s broadcast team soon reported that it was a mental issue that was preventing Biles from continuing.
“We’ve just been told that, with regards to Simone withdrawing, it is not injury-related. It is a mental issue that Simone is having,” NBC’s John Roethlisberger said during the broadcast of the event.
Support for Biles following her withdrawal was swift and vast. May pointed out the pressure that was placed on the shoulders of Biles, and the double standard Women Of Color have when it comes to athletic performance — as well as life in general.
Biles had posted a message to Instagram hours before the Team Final that resurfaced in the context of her withdrawal.
USA Gymnastics released a statement after Biles withdrew from the Team Final, noting that it was due to a ‘medical issue’.
“Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue,” the statement read. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”
Keep in mind that a ‘medial issue’ isn’t exclusive to a physical injury.
Simone Biles withdraw: Will she compete in Individual Gymnastics event?
Biles explained her decision to withdraw after Team USA finished the event. She stated that it came down to her not being able to perform up to the level she thought her team deserved, and she didn’t want to bring them down by forcing a bad performance at the highest level of competition.
“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” she told Hoda Kotb on NBC’s “TODAY” show following her exit. “Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat.”
Biles voiced her disappointment that she couldn’t compete but wanted everyone to know she was alright.
“I’m OK,” she said. “Just super frustrated. But super proud of these girls and now we’re silver medalists — something we’ll cherish forever. We hope America still loves us.”
She noted that her status is day-to-day, which doesn’t rule her competing in the individual competition which takes place on Thursday.
After her withdrawal, Biles was actively supporting her teammates from the sideline, doing everything she could to help her team despite not being able to perform. Team USA finished with the silver medal in the event.