Dylan Bettencourt
Superstar Simone Biles, the current Olympic women’s gymnastics champion, has pulled out of this year’s all-around final to focus on her mental health.
USA Gymnastics said Biles will decide next week about competing in her four individual finals.
They said they fully supported Biles’ decision and applaud her bravery in focusing on her mental state. The topic is in the spotlight after tennis star Naomi Osaka pulled out of this year’s French Open for the same reason.
Biles said she was not injured but she would not continue.
“After my performance, I just didn’t want to go on. I have to focus on my mental health,” said an emotional Biles.
“I think mental health is more of an issue in sports right now. We have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out to do what the world wants from us.”
She said she didn’t trust herself as much as she used to.
“I don’t know if it’s age,” said the 24-year-old athlete.
“I’m a little more nervous when I do gymnastics. I’m also not having as much fun. I know this is the Olympic Games. I wanted it to be for myself.”
Biles is America’s most successful gymnast, with 30 Olympic and World Championship medals. She only needs four podium finishes to become the most successful gymnast in the world.
Having won four gold medals and a bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the superstar arrived at this year’s games as the overwhelming favourite.
Image source: @Vogue
