via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States during the Women’s Team Final REUTERS/Mike Blake
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Gymnastics – Artistic – Women’s Team – Final – Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Simone Biles of the United States during the Women’s Team Final REUTERS/Mike Blake
Simone Biles entered the Tokyo Olympics as a favorite to win all 6 gold medals in the Gymnastics events. Unfortunately, she has now withdrawn from two events where she could’ve won those gold medals. The reason she gave for doing that was because of her mental health.
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Earlier, she withdrew from the women’s team final on Tuesday after some preliminary round concerns. Following the withdrawal, she had a press conference where she pulled out of the individual all-around final as well.
While she has received a lot of support from celebrities all over the world, she has also taken a massive financial hit. This is because she will not be able to have a shot at the monetary bonuses offered to Team USA athletes for their medals.
THE MONETARY SIDE OF THE SPORT: What did Simone Biles miss out on?
According?to?the?website?of?the?United?States?Olympic?and?Paralympic?Committee?(USOPC),?gold?medalists?at?the?2020?Olympics?will?earn?$37,500,?silver?medalists?$22,500,?and?bronze?medalists?$15,000.?
via Getty
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 09: Simone Biles of the United States poses for photographs with her gold medal after the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
As the prize pool for team sports is split evenly, Biles would have been eligible for $9,375 has her persistent effort propelled the team to gold on Tuesday
. Alas, as the team only won a silver medal, Biles banked just $5,625.?ALSO READ:
Former Premier League Star Slams Piers Morgan for Questionable Claims About Olympic MedalsHad she participated and defended her gold medals, the total prize money she might well have won at the two events would have been even higher i.e. $46,875 for one team gold and one individual gold, and $43,125 for one team silver and one individual gold.
Biles has the support of the community
Biles has received a tremendous amount of support from the community. Following her press conference, she tweeted about the “love & support” she received that reaffirmed her belief in herself. Subsequently, USA Gymnastics Association also came out to support and reassure Biles.
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. 🤍
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 29, 2021
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USA Gymnastics tweeted,?“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.”?
After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 28, 2021
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From sports athletes to famous personalities in other fields, everyone believes that it took a lot of courage for Biles to step back from the team. Everyone hopes that she can come back stronger and remain on the trajectory of becoming the greatest gymnast of all time.
ALSO READ: Power Couples to Watch Out for in the Tokyo Olympics 2020
