With players kick-starting their rendition of world-class sports activities at the Tokyo 2020 games, mental health is already seen bagging a medal. While players worked on their immaculateness, mental Health over medal is what US Gymnast Simone Biles has chosen.
Consequently, Biles will not defend her Olympic title as she withdrew from the Olympics to focus on her mental well-being. The US Gymnastics said in a statement last Wednesday that she is opting not to compete because of her poor mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH OVER MEDAL: US GYMNAST SIMONE BILES
The world’s greatest gymnast with a combined total of 31 Olympic and World Championship medals, dropped out of the team competition on her opening vault after receiving a low mark in Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with US Team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRxsq_kBZrP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Being the most decorated American gymnast and one of the most dominant gymnasts of all time, her gesticulation sent shockwaves through the Summer Games.
AFTERMATH | MENTAL HEALTH OVER MEDAL: US GYMNAST SIMONE BILES
When Biles returned, she took off her bar grips and hugged her teammates – Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles. Later, she turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the US claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). The result of Simone not playing in the match led to the US team losing the gold medal at the hands of Russian gymnasts.
Following the match, Biles held a press conference and informed that she had taken the decision to withdraw from the Games due to her mental health. It was heart-warming to see the support and love she got afterwards. Fans all around the world poured their hearts out and supported Biles. She was lauded for bringing an often neglected issue like mental health to the Olympics podium.
