Simone Biles looks on after pulling out of the women's team final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games. Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

USA gymnastics star Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around competition to focus on mental health

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/28/21

Team USA gymnastics superstar Simone Biles has withdrawn from Thursday's individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health.

The decision comes one day after Biles removed herself from the team final following her uncharacteristic performance on vault. The 24-year-old bailed in the middle of her Amanar attempt, doing just 1.5 twists rather than 2.5. She received a score of 13.766, which is unusually low for her standards.

After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition.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

Biles had been the favorite to repeat as individual all-around champion. She won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games.

Biles indicated before the team final that she had been feeling the pressure during this year's Games, saying in an emotional Instagram photo: "I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn't affect me but damn sometimes it's hard hahaha! The olympics is no joke!"

With Biles cheering on the sideline, the U.S. women's gymnastics team won silver, while the athletes from Russia (ROC) won gold.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles' place in the all-around competition. Carey previously did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. The International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

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