Olympic champion Simone Biles pulled out of the gymnastics team finals due to a “medical issue” after stumbling during her vault on Tuesday. The team ended up earning a silver medal, ending their bid for a third straight Olympic title.
The 24-year-old superstar huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She exited the competition floor with the team doctor and later returned with her right leg wrapped. Teammate Jordan Chiles replaced Biles and Team USA was forced to finish the rest of the team’s final without her.
USA Gymnastics said in a statement that Biles has withdrawn from the team final because of a medical issue. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” USA Gymnastics said.
According to the NBC broadcast, Biles being pulled out was related to a “mental issue” that she is having and not injury related.
On Monday, after a tough start in qualifiers, Biles shared on Instagram that the pressure of living up to her past performances has taken a toll on her mentally.
“It wasn’t an easy day or my best but I got through it. I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times,” Biles wrote on Monday. “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! BUT I’m happy my family was able to be with me virtually. They mean the world to me!”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
