A day after Simone Biles’s shock exit from the team event, USA Gymnastics said the 24-year-old had also withdrawn from the individual all-around competition at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre. The American arrived in Japan as one of the headline acts of the pandemic-postponed 2020 Games, shouldering an immense weight of expectation as she pursued a record-equalling nine career Olympic titles. But she withdrew from the team competition after a shaky opening vault, and her struggles mean she may be unable to add to the four gold medals she won at the 2016 Rio Games.
“After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement.
“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day, we’re human, too,” said Biles, “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”
Taking to the same, many celebrities lauded the decision. One of them was Priyanka Chopra Jonas who penned down words of encouragement for the young gymnast. Sharing a video of an interview she did with Biles a few years ago for her YouTube series, Priyanka wrote, “Role model, Champion… @simonebiles I had the joy of getting to know @simonebiles a few years ago, and she blew me away then with her vulnerability and self awareness.”
The actress called the gymnast the GOAT – Greatest of All Time and thanked her for normalising that it is okay to be human.
Priyanka added, “Simone, yesterday we were reminded why you are truly the GOAT, and why nothing supersedes taking care of ourselves…body AND mind. I cannot fathom the impossible pressure you all perform under, but knowing where you need to draw the line and step away – TO CHOOSE YOURSELF – is most important. Only when we are okay can we perform at our best, and enjoy doing so. Thank you for helping normalise that even under tremendous pressure, it’s ok to be human. Thank you for your courage and strength. You are a role model, and just like the rest of the world I’m so inspired and awed by you. Once again you have shown us what it truly means to be a champion. Sending (love).”
The Canadian singer Justin Bieber shared an Instagram post lauding the decision and also cited his own example where he did not complete the purpose tour and called it the ‘best thing I could have done for my mental health”. Justin in a heartfelt post wrote, “nobody will ever understand the pressures you face! I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as – what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul. Sometimes our no’s are more powerful than our yes’s.”
Justin further wrote, “When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why. People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!! So proud of you.”
Michelle Obama also tweeted in support of Simone and wrote, “Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the silver medal, Team @USA!
The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, and branded as Tokyo 2020 is an ongoing international multi-sport event that is currently being held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, with some preliminary events, which began from 21 July. Originally scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020, the event was postponed in March 2020 as a result of the worldwide spread pandemic, and is held largely behind closed doors with no public spectators permitted due to the declaration of the state of emergency. Despite being rescheduled for 2021, the event retains the Tokyo 2020 name for marketing and branding purposes. This is the first time that the Olympic Games have been postponed and rescheduled, rather than cancelled. The Summer Paralympics will be held between 24 August and 5 September 2021, 16 days after the completion of the Olympics.
