Simone Biles Pulled Out of the Olympic Games Final Competition to Prioritize Her Mental Health

Update, 4 p.m. ET:

After pulling out from the Olympic Finals, Simone Biles gave a press conference and confirmed she is sitting out the competition today in order to put her mental health first. “Just my pride is hurt a little bit,” she told reporters. “After the performance that I did, I didn’t want to go into the other events so I thought I would take a step back,” she added, explaining that she plans to take Wednesday as a mental health day and is seeing a therapist.

Simone also spoke to Hoda Kotb on Today to give fans an update on her condition and shed some light on whether or not she'll be well enough to compete later on in the Games.

“Physically, I feel good, I’m in shape,” Simone said. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time and we’ll see.” As for if she’ll be heading back to the Olympics, Simone said, “We’re going to take it day by day and we’re just gonna see.”

Original story, 10 a.m. ET:

Simone Biles has pulled out of the Olympic Games, according to multiple outlets including the AP. Simone, the greatest gymnast of all time, was seen exiting the competition floor with Team USA's doctor and then came back onto the floor with her right leg wrapped. At this point, the AP reports that she took off her bar grips, hugged her teammates, and put on a jacket and sweatpants—indicating she would not be competing.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement, “Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

On Monday, Simone opened up on Instagram about the pressure she has faced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, saying, “It wasn’t an easy day or my best but I got through it. I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard hahaha! The Olympics is no joke! BUT I’m happy my family was able to be with me virtually, they mean the world to me!”

It goes without saying that Simone has done an amazing job despite this setback, and we are all wishing her the very best. To echo USA Gymnastics’ official statement, thinking of you, Simone!

Note: We will be updating this article as more information about Simone’s exit from the final competition comes out.

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