Simone Biles Withdraws from the Women's Team Final Due to a "Medical Issue"
Simone Biles has exited the competition for the women's Olympic gymnastics team final in Tokyo.
Biles's shocking decision comes after an uncharacteristically low-scoring performance on the vault, her first event of the night and a category she normally dominates. Officials for USA Gymnastics have stated that Biles chose to withdraw due to a "medical issue" but wouldn't disclose any other information.
"Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue," USA Gymnastics said in a statement, per People. "She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
Following Biles's performance, which marked her lowest-scoring go at the vault category in her career, the athlete returned to the floor wearing warm-up gear to support the rest of her teammates throughout the competition. Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Grace McCallum continued on in the competition, facing off against their rivals, Russia.
The U.S. gymnastics team also had a shaky start for the preliminary competition ahead of the final, which Biles reflected on via social media.
"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," Biles wrote on Instagram. "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!"
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