Simone Biles Withdraws From Women’s Team Gymnastics Final With ‘Medical Issue’
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles unexpectedly pulled out of the women’s team finals at the Tokyo games on Tuesday morning, paving the way for the Russian Olympic Committee team to win the gold medal.
According to USA Gymnastics, Biles dropped out due to an undisclosed medical issue after faltering in the vault competition — the first event for the American team on Tuesday. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” the organization said in a statement.
Jordan Chiles competed for Biles on the uneven bars — the American team’s second apparatus in the competition — with Biles cheering on from the sidelines. Team USA took the silver medal, while Great Britain claimed the bronze.
Following the news, “Simone” immediately started trending on Twitter, with fans — celebrity or otherwise — wishing her and the team well. Broadway star Patti Murin tweeted out support for Team USA using an apt theater analogy.
“Simone Biles not competing in the team event is like going to see a Broadway show with an understudy performing. Guess what? They’re AWESOME. They will dominate. They are not second runner up; they are stars in their own right,” Murin wrote.
Simone Biles not competing in the team event is like going to see a Broadway show with an understudy performing. Guess what? They’re AWESOME. They will dominate. They are not second runner up; they are stars in their own right. Sending my love to every member of #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/u3E7NSPU2V— Patti Murin (@PattiMurin) July 27, 2021
Many speculated that Biles’ decision to drop was more about her mental health than her physical health. Biles has been vocal in saying that the pressure of being on a global stage like the Olympics has been harder than ever.
On Monday night, Biles’s former teammate Aly Raisman tweeted out in support of all athletes competing, noting the exact toll it takes on their psyche. “Just a friendly reminder: Olympic athletes are human & they’re doing the best they can. It’s REALLY hard to peak at the right moment & do the routine of your life under such pressure. Really hard,” Raisman wrote.
Just a friendly reminder: Olympic athletes are human & they’re doing the best they can. It’s REALLY hard to peak at the right moment & do the routine of your life under such pressure. Really hard.— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) July 26, 2021
Speaking to NBC’s “Today” after the news broke, Raisman said that she’s “completely devastated” and “so worried” for Biles, noting that she’s worried about the mental impact this will have on her former teammate.
You can check out more messages of support for Simone Biles below.
We love you @Simone_Biles !!! — Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 27, 2021
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
Dear @Simone_Biles…Although I’m just a VERY dumb Sports Stooge, I felt obligated to remind you.You’re the greatest of all time.. ain’t nothing that happens in Tokyo can change that. Your effort, commitment, and UNBELIEVABLE talent have been a gift to us fans.Cheers pic.twitter.com/APsVSswGdn— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 27, 2021
God bless the great Simone Biles. And that is all. pic.twitter.com/MqJGEGJFLQ— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid (@JoyAnnReid) July 27, 2021
I’ll take Simone Biles setting the right example by putting her health first 100 times out of 100. That’s a champion mindset.— Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer) July 27, 2021
Read More
