Simone Biles Withdraws From Olympics to Protect Mental Health

Gymnast Simone Biles emerged as a star athlete coming into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. But in a shocking turn of events, the 24-year-old Olympic gold gymnast withdrew from the competition on Tuesday morning.

The initial response was that Biles was medically unfit to perform after failing to land a vault earlier in the meet. She then went off to speak with her trainer, huddled up with her teammates, and shared the news that she would not be returning to the mat. But Biles later clarified that there were underlying reasons for her sudden departure.

“I’m ok, just super frustrated with how the night played out,” Biles reassured NBC’s Hoda Kotbe after the match. “Physically I feel good. Emotionally – that kind of varies on the time and the moment.”

Someone said it best. @Simone_Biles already won. She is a class act. Withdrew from team competion after vault… stayed and cheered on her teammates… got them chalk for their hands.. encouraged.. hugged them. She already won. Congrats on the silver medal! @TeamUSA @USAGym

— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 27, 2021

Biles continued by explaining that coming into the Olympics as the “star” of the games was not easy. Between the pressures of performing as an athlete and pleasing the millions of fans watching at home, it’s no wonder that the gymnast felt the need to take a step back. Those same people watching at home are celebrating the Olympian’s decision today.

.@Simone_Biles is already the most decorated gymnast in American history. She’s a living legend—but she’s also a human being.

Today Simone made likely one of the hardest and most courageous decisions of her life. She is an inspiration to us all. pic.twitter.com/4YPVTGrop2

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 27, 2021

Mental health does not discriminate. The way we talk about it does.

Simone Biles is exceptional in many, many ways. Still, her mental health is her health, just like her hamstrings or hip flexor or whatever.

— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) July 28, 2021

A longstanding advocate for mental health awareness in athletics, Biles defended her decision. She is just one of many athletes in recent years to do the same. Just last month, tennis star Naomi Osaka stepped away from the French Open and withdrew from Wimbledon in order to protect her mental wellbeing.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles stated, according to the Associated Press.

The public examples of self-love that @Simone_Biles and @naomiosaka have given will make impacts in ways that we can’t even imagine for people today and tomorrow. There is so much strength in their choice to simply thrive instead of survive. A choice that I’m really proud to see.

— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) July 27, 2021

I’m a former gymnast and I know how physically dangerous it can be to perform/compete if you are not mentally sharp every moment. (my lifelong back issues as proof). Simone Biles did the responsible and professional thing by taking a break. She doesn’t owe anyone an injury.

— Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) July 27, 2021

But there is a silver lining to this all, if not many. That being – the US women’s gymnastics team took home silver at the end of the competition. Despite her withdrawal, Biles remained in the gym, cheering her teammates on the entire time.

“I’ll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity! They stepped up when I couldn’t,” Biles posted to Instagram. Biles and her teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles posed in the photo holding up their newly won medals.

The moment when Simone Biles tells her teammates she’s withdrawing from Team Finals. Her teammates supporting here was wonderful! pic.twitter.com/mt9qdqQkw5

— Poor Lawyer (@poorlawyer) July 27, 2021

Speaking of athletes supporting one another, see what Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman about her former 2016 Olympic teammate on NBC.