Just a day after Simone Biles said she felt like she had the weight on her shoulders in preparation for the finals, the most decorated U.S. women gymnast withdrew from the team finals in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics due to medical reasons, according to USA Gymnastics.
Official statement: “Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”
Thinking of you, Simone! pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 27, 2021
In an interview on NBC Today, Biles said she felt good physically but that her issue was “more mental” as she’s “dealing with a couple of things internally.” Celebrities such as Today’s co-host Hoda Kotb, Andy Cohen, Loni Love, and more showed support and stood in solidarity with Biles amid her shocking decision to bow out.
Hoda called Simone a “class act” and commended her for cheering on her fellow teammates after she withdrew from the competition.
Someone said it best. @Simone_Biles already won. She is a class act. Withdrew from team competion after vault… stayed and cheered on her teammates… got them chalk for their hands.. encouraged.. hugged them. She already won. Congrats on the silver medal! @TeamUSA @USAGym
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 27, 2021
Loni Love sent positive vibes to Simone and encouraged the champion to protect her peace.
Protect your peace @Simone_Biles .. you are and will always be a champion…. Only positive vibes going out to you !!!!! https://t.co/21bod9owdv
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) July 27, 2021
Meghan McCain and Andy Cohen both tweeted that they loved Simone, while 2012 and 2016 gold-winning gymnast Aly Raisman said she felt sick over Biles’ departure and she’ll be “praying” that she competes in the all-around final.
We love you @Simone_Biles !!! 🇺🇸
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 27, 2021
We love you @Simone_Biles!
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 27, 2021
Aly Raisman talks about Simone Biles being out of gymnastics team finals https://t.co/5jfLhe3WT8
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 27, 2021
Contrary to Simone’s previous Olympics performances, the six-time U.S. vault champ struggled with said portion of the competition and recorded the lowest score of her career. Despite her departure, Biles came back out to support her fellow teammates who won silver while The Russian Olympic Committee snagged gold and the British team won bronze.
With the individual all-around set for July 29th, it’s unclear if Biles will compete. When asked she said “We have a couple more days. We’re going to figure it out.” What do you think of Simone withdrawing from the Women’s Team Final to protect her mental health, and do you think she should compete in the individual all-around? Tune in to see what our Dish Nation hosts think.