American artistic gymnast Simone Biles, 24 has pulled out of this year’s all-around final to focus on her mental health.
USA Gymnastics said Simone will decide next week about competing in her four individual finals. They stated that they fully support her decision and applaud her bravery in making the decision.
“After my performance, I just didn’t want to go on. I have to focus on my mental health. I think mental health is more of an issue in sports right now. We have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out to do what the world wants from us,” Simone said.
She said she was a little nervous and needed time off.
“I don’t know if it’s age. I’m a little more nervous when I do gymnastics. I’m also not having as much fun. I know this is the Olympic Games. I wanted it to be for myself.”
The issue surfaces after tennis star Naomi Osaka pulled out of this year’s French Open for the mental health reason.
Simone is America’s most successful gymnast, with 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
