US Gymnast, Simone Biles withdraws from the individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics to ‘focus on her mental health

US Gymnastics superstar, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the individual all-around event and will not be able to defend her Olympic title. z

The four-time gold medal winner and current champion made the decision not to compete in Thursday’s finals after consulting with Team US officials following her dismal withdrawal from the team competition on Tuesday July 27.

Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation, citing her mental health struggles as the reason for her shock exit. She also stated that she wanted to prioritize her own ‘wellbeing’ while insisting ‘there is more to life than just gymnastics’.   

‘It is very unfortunate that it has to happen at this stage because I definitely wanted this Olympics to go a little bit better but again, we’ll take it one day at a time and we’re going to see how the rest goes,’ Biles told reporters.

On Wednesday, USA Gymnastics issued a statement that the 24-year-old is now opting to not compete in the individual all-around event.

In a statement, USA Gymnastics said: “After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition.

“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritising her wellbeing. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.”

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around.