Dominique Moceanu empathizes with Simone Biles having a say in her health in viral tweet

Former gold medalist Dominique Moceanu went viral for tweeting about Simone Biles’s decision to withdraw from the 2021 Olympics.

Take it from Dominique Moceanu, an Olympic gold medalist who kept competing despite a serious injury: Simone Biles was right to withdraw from the 2021 Olympics.

Moceanu shared her perspective on Biles’s situation on Twitter, citing her own harrowing Olympics experience in 1996.

At just 14 years old, Moceanu competed with a tibial stress fracture and had a dangerous fall on the balance beam without anyone checking on her spine. It was a situation she wishes she had more of a say in.

Moceanu also weighed in on the danger Biles might have put herself in if she continued while struggling with what gymnasts call “the twisties.”

“In our sport, we essentially dive into a pool w/ no water. When you lose your ability to find the ground—which appears to be part of @Simone_Biles
decision—-the consequences can be catastrophic,” Moceanu said. “She made the right decision for the team & herself.”

It’s a good thing the sport has changed in mentality since Moceanu competed. A greater emphasis on the health and well-being of gymnasts can only be a good thing.

Experts like Dominique Moceanu are standing with Simone Biles

Biles flubbed her vault during the team event and pulled out for fear of hurting herself or her teammates chance of securing the silver medal. She has since removed herself from the all-around individual event as well.

Actual gymnasts seem to be in agreement that Biles is dealing with a real mental health issue that can have serious physical consequences relative to her sport. That’s not stopping critics from laying into Biles for pulling out of the competition.

This is clearly a case where people should leave it to the athlete to decide what’s best for them.