Simone Biles Says
Naomi Osaka Inspired
Her to Speak Out About
Mental Health.
Simone Biles has opened up about her decision
to withdraw from the gymnastics team final. .
The 24-year-old gymnast surprised everyone on
Tuesday when she suddenly stepped back from the competition
on the U.S. team’s first rotation on vault. .
USA Gymnastics initially said that Biles
had withdrawn “due to a medical issue.”.
Simone has withdrawn from the team
final competition due to a medical issue.
She will be assessed daily to determine
medical clearance for future competitions, USA Gymnastics, via statement.
In an interview with reporters after Team USA’s silver medal win,
Biles revealed she needed to “focus on [her] mental health.”.
Whenever you get in a high-stress situation,
you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental
health and not jeopardize my health and well-being, Simone Biles, via Huffpost.
Biles said "at the end of
the day" it was more
important for athletes
to “protect [their] mind
in [their] body.”.
This Olympic Games, I wanted it to be for myself
when I came in — and I felt like I was still doing it
for other people … At the end of the day, where
we’re human too so we have to protect our mind
in our body rather than just go out there and
do what the world wants us to do, Simone Biles, via ‘NYT’.
She went on to say
that she was inspired
to speak out by tennis
star Naomi Osaka.
Earlier this year, Osaka cited her own mental health
as the reason she withdrew from the French Open.
According to Biles, her team is planning on
taking Wednesday as a “mental rest day.” .
It is currently unclear whether Biles will compete
in any more of the Tokyo Olympic competitions