"After further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars," USA Gymnastics said.
This competition was initially defined by who wasn't competing. U.S. star Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time and the heavy favorite to win, pulled out to take care of her mental health.
"the outpouring love & support I've received has made me realize I'm more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before," Biles said in a tweet.
You don't need a gold medal to justify putting your mental health first. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, NPR's Life Kit has a few ways for you to focus on your mental wellbeing.
After her surprise withdrawal from the gymnastics team final at the Tokyo Olympics, the star American gymnast amplified recent statements that the immense stress she faces has been affecting her.
U.S. star Simone Biles' departure from competition was a devastating blow for her three teammates, who are all first-time Olympians. She was expected to compete on all four apparatuses.
Chiles had been slated to compete in just two events in the team final: vault and floor. But with Biles out of the competition, she was suddenly competing on the balance beam and uneven bars too.
A few stumbles from U.S. gymnasts – including from star Simone Biles – allowed Russia's team to take the lead. The U.S. is the heavy favorite. Russia came out one point ahead with the total team score