Tokyo 2020: Simone Biles led the United States’ defense for the women’s gymnastics team and wants to expand her collection of four gold medals won at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Simon Biles had arrived in Tokyo as the undisputed star of the Olympic Games (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Simone has withdrawn from the team final because of a medical problem: USA Gymnastics
- The USA are competing for their third Olympic gold in a row in the women’s team final in Tokyo 2020
- Bile would get another medal if the favorite USA made it onto the podium
The reigning champion Simone Biles has withdrawn from the women’s team finals at the Tokyo Olympics with a medical problem, the US gymnastics team confirmed on Tuesday.
After a disappointing attempt in the first rotation, the American was marked with an “R” on the list of participants before the start of the bars, which meant she would not continue the competition.
Considered the greatest gymnast of all time, the 24-year-old American star hunkered down with a trainer after landing her jump. Biles then left the competition area with the team doctor.
TOKYO 2020: Full coverage | Day 4 highlights
Bile returned a few minutes later. She took off her handlebar grips, hugged her teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles before pulling on her jacket and sweatpants.
The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without them, severely hampering their bid for the third consecutive Olympic title.
The International Gymnastics Federation confirmed Biles would not play another role in the team competition, but said she would still receive a medal if the heavily favored US made it to the podium.
“Simone withdrew from the team final because of a medical problem,” said USA Gymnastics. “It will be examined daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”
However, according to some reports, the superstar athlete withdrew from the event because of her mental health rather than an injury.
UPDATE – US broadcaster NBC reports that, according to her coach, Biles retired because of her mental health rather than an injury
– DW Sport (@dw_sports) July 27, 2021
Biles came to Tokyo as the undisputed star of the Games but struggled during qualifying, at least by their high standards. Biles won five medals in Rio de Janeiro five years ago and had a chance to beat them after reaching all five finals.
It remains to be seen whether she will be available for the all-around final on Thursday evening and the event finals later in the games. (With Reuters & AP inputs)
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