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/Dylan Martinez
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/Dylan Martinez
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 has provided a lot of exciting and shocking moments. Among these, one moment that stands out would be the withdrawal of Simone Biles from the gymnastics competitions. The US superstar withdrew from the team Artistic Gymnastics event because of mental health issues. Subsequently, she withdrew from the individual artistic gymnastics events as well.
The concerns of the mental health of athletes have been well documented in recent times. Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open was because of the same aforementioned reason. Biles opened up about her troubles on Instagram.
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 TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Simone Biles opens up about her withdrawal from Tokyo Olympics 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The famous gymnast revealed why she moved on with the decision.
“For anyone saying I quit, I didn’t quit. My mind and body are simply not in sync…I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface. Nor do I have to explain why I put health first. Physical health is mental health,” wrote Biles.
Correct answer = NOTHING@Simone_Biles ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QoK72iIQ67
— ESPN (@espn) July 29, 2021
The gymnast was expected to win the gold medals in all the events. However, she focused on prioritizing mental health before individual glory. Her withdrawal from the event showcased the problems she had, and it was the right decision.
READ MORE-? WATCH: Daniil Medvedev Imitates Pablo Carreno Busta On as He Crashes Out of Tokyo Olympics 2020
When asked about the time she would take for recovery, Biles gave an honest answer regarding her troubles.
“Typically for me it’s usually 2 or more weeks when I’ve had them before. Honestly no telling/time frame something you have to take literally day by day, turn by turn. I was fighting demons but I did it. Petrified too,” claimed Biles.
Biles struggled to perform
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During the artistic gymnastic qualifications, it was quite clear that she couldn’t land properly on her regular routines. Not being in the right frame of mind during these events is dangerous, considering the death-defying leaps and jumps a gymnast makes.
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 in action on the vault. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson/File Photo SEARCH “OLYMPICS DAY 5” FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS EDITOR’S CHOICE, SEARCH “REUTERS OLYMPICS TOPIX” FOR ALL EDITOR’S CHOICE PICTURES.
Despite not competing, she supported her teammates in the team Artistic Gymnastics event. It showed the passion she has for the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Many people consider mental health issues a taboo in today’s society. Biles’ decision speaks volumes about the troubles athletes face during these events. With big expectations and pressure, athletes are humans as well. So the mental health issues are important to be dealt with and fans should support athletes rather than criticizing them.
WATCH THIS STORY-?5 Biggest and Most Shocking Upsets in Olympic History
