Legendary gymnast and a four-time Olympic gold medal winner, Simone Biles withdrew from the all-women gymnast finals due to mental health concerns. Team USA went ahead and clinched the silver medal in the event; falling short of a few points to hit gold which eventually went to Russia.
Simone Biles is recognized for her unbelievable physical strength and stunning flexibility, so her walking out of the games stunned the nation. Biles posted on her Instagram amidst the growing pressure and stress to perform that she feels the weight of the world. She hasn’t been feeling herself because of the immense pressure and it is putting up a toll on her mental health.
Mental Health issues
Simone Biles had a meltdown in front of the media after she announced herself bailing out of the all-women gymnast final. She stated that she is under immense stress to perform and this has been freaking her out. So finally she has realized that she needs to focus on her mental health, as she can’t jeopardize her wellbeing and health because of the growing pressure. Biles stated that “at the end, we are not just athletes, we are people”
Biles hadn’t been her true self since the Olympics game began in Tokyo last week, she missed out on a vault which is very uncharacteristic of her, as she has been known for her tremendous physical strength and at par performance. There had been speculations regarding some injuries after she failed to perform complete rotations but Biles shrugged them off stating that she is physically perfect.
Simon addressed the press stating “physically, I feel good, I’m in shape but emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being the head star isn’t an easy feat, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time and we’ll see.”
Bile’s withdrawal was received with respect and love and she was showered with outpouring love on social media from all phases of life.
What is next for Simone Biles?
Simone Biles is still eligible to compete in the remaining four events at the Olympics but she has not confirmed her availability yet.
USA gymnastics stated that Simone Biles will be undergoing daily assessment in order to compete in future competitions.
