Tokyo, Jul 27 (EFE).- World-renowned gymnast Simone Biles on Tuesday withdrew from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s artistic gymnastics team finals due to a “medical issue,” Team USA said.
“Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.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,” a statement from the team read.
Biles, 24, withdrew after just one routine in which she scored 13.766 on the vault at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, her team’s lowest.
Tokyo 2020 press said: “Just moments after marching out on the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Biles had a scary warm-up vault. After blocking off the vaulting table, the 24-year-old appeared to get lost in the air, opening out after doing just one-and-a-half of her planned two-and-a-half twists.
Simone Biles of the USA (C) after performing on the Vault during the Women’s Team final during the Artistic Gymnastics events of the Tokyo 2020 – EFE
“After vault, Biles sat on the sideline talking with coach Cecile Landi and the USA Gymnastics athletic trainer. Their discussion ended with Biles and the trainer leaving the field of play together.” Biles was set to lead Team USA in the uneven bars but was replaced by Jordan Chiles.
Widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles’ departure from the team artistic gymnastics finals comes as a huge blow for Team USA. She won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. EFE
Update: June 27th, 2021
When Simone Biles withdraw the competition, the USA Gymnastics team stated it was due to a ‘medical issue’. Although the information is still not confirmed, media outlets and press say the gymnast is dealing with mental health which may have caused the retirement from the Women’s artistic gymnastic team competition.
Text and photos courtesy of EFE