The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are well underway, and there has already been an unfortunate turn of events for team U.S.A. On Tuesday, it was gymnast Simone Biles‘ turn at the vault. It wasn’t her best vault, and she appeared to wince when it was over. Was it because she was disappointed in how the vault went? Perhaps. Was it because she was in pain? Most likely.
A statement from USA Gymnastics announced, “Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”
Watch the video below for more details about what happened during the vault and what this means for Simone and USA Gymnastics.
MyKayla Skinner, Biles’ teammate, told TODAY, “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. I wish I could run down there and give her a big hug.”
Biles’ former teammate Aly Raismann told TODAY, “I know all of these athletes dream of this moment for their whole entire lives, and so I’m just completely devastated. I am obviously so worried and just hoping Simone is okay. I am also just thinking about the mental impact that this has to have on Simone. It’s just so much pressure, and I’ve been watching just how much pressure has been on her the months leading up to the games.”
Even Biles admits that she has been under a ton of pressure. In an Instagram post just one day ago, Biles wrote, “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. 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!”
Do you think Biles will be able to compete anymore during the Tokyo Olympics?