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Don’t trust myself as much as I used to, not having as much fun: Simone Biles on team final pull-out
US gymnastics superstar Simone Biles sent shockwaves through the Olympics on Tuesday, tearfully citing concerns for her mental health after a dramatic withdrawal mid-competition during the women’s team final.
The 24-year-old four-time Olympic gold medallist – one of the faces of the Tokyo Games – got off to a shaky start at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre with a lacklustre opening vault.
Stunned onlookers watched as Biles was led off the competition floor before returning wearing a tracksuit. Soon afterwards, USA Gymnastics confirmed she would sit out the remainder of the final with an unspecified medical issue.
She watched the action unfold alongside her teammates, clapping and even dancing, undercutting any suggestion of an injury.
The US quartet were pipped to gold by the Russians who claimed the Olympic women’s team title for the first time since the 1992 Barcelona Games. Britain took a surprise bronze medal.
After she collected her silver medal – Biles was eligible having at least started the final – the four-time Olympic champion confirmed her shock exit was due to her psychological state.
Speaking to reporters after the final – eventually won by Russia’s team – Biles said concerns for her mental wellbeing prompted her decision to withdraw.
“At the end of the day, I have to do…