Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles reacts to support for withdrawal from team and all-around finals

Source: BBC News:

July 29, 2021 at 09:58

Biles, who won four golds at Rio 2016, has yet to confirm whether she will take part in the apparatus finals in Tokyo

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has reacted to the widespread support she has received after withdrawing from Thursday's all-around final.

The American gymnast pulled out of the competition saying she needed to prioritise her mental health, a move that has brought praise from high-profile figures in sport, entertainment and politics.

The 24-year-old said the support had shown her she was "more than my accomplishments and gymnastics".

the outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before. ?
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 29, 2021

Biles, who is a sexual assault survivor, spoke to the media after the US took silver in the team final following her withdrawal from that event, of the need to "protect our minds and our bodies," adding: "We are people, at the end of the day."

How athletes past and present reacted to Simone Biles putting her mental health first.

British gymnast Max Whitlock showed his support, saying: "You've pushed boundaries time and time again. Rest up and take time."

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba tweeted his support for Biles, saying her decision to withdraw was a "moment of undeniable strength".

American pop star Justin Bieber, who himself cut short his 2017 world tour citing anxiety and exhaustion, said he was proud of the athlete for her decision.