Announcement from the North American Gymnastics Federation.
The North American Gymnastics Association has announced that gymnast Simone Biles will not participate in the all-around singles final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games “to focus on her mental health”.
“Following a medical evaluation, Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympic singles all-around final, in order to focus on her mental health. Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not she will compete in the event finals next week,” the statement read. Twitter social networking site.
Regarded as one of the best gymnasts of all time, Biles, the 24-year-old, left the US selection midway through the women’s team final in Tokyo 2020 on Tuesday, having later justified his decision with mental health issues.
“Once I step into my business, it’s just me and my head dealing with demons […]. “I have to do what is best for me and focus on my mental health and not harm my health and well-being,” said the four-time Olympic artistic gymnastics champion in Rio 2016.
Simon Biles, who won Rio 2016, in addition to winning the team gold medal, also won Olympic titles in the full competition and in two devices (jump and single), qualified for the five singles finals for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
At Tokyo 2020, the American sought to become the first gymnast to successfully defend an Olympic title in full competition in over 50 years, more specifically since Czechoslovakian Vera Kaslavska in 1968.
“We fully support Simone’s decision and commend her courage in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, once again, why she is a role model for so many,” ends the North American Federation statement.