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| Simone Biles came into Tokyo Olympics as the favourites for the final as she was pursuing a record-equalling ninth career Olympic title, however, her withdrawal from events due to mental issues dashed her hopes of achieving the record. (Photo from USAGYM via Twitter) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Simone Biles has pulled out of Sunday's vault and uneven bars gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. BBC Sports reported that the four-time Olympic champion, 24, withdrew from Tuesday's women's team final as well as Thursday's individual all-around final saying she had to focus on her mental health.
The American is yet to decide if she will compete in the floor (2 August) and balance beam (3 August) finals. A US Gymnastics statement said Biles would "continue to be evaluated daily". It added: "After further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars. Biles scored her lowest Olympic vault score in the opening rotation before withdrawing from the team final.
Meanwhile,Team silver in Tokyo was Biles' sixth Olympic medal and took her tally of Olympic and World Championship medals to 30. Afterwards, Biles said: "After the performance I did, I just didn't want to go on. I have to focus on my mental health. I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now. "We have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.
