Simone Biles said she feels good physically, emotionally ’it varies’, plans to return to Olympic competition Thursday

When Simone Biles pulled out of the Women’s Gymnastics team competition at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, the world was shocked.

She is the most decorated gymnast in history, nicknamed the greatest of all time and the anchor of the United States team. She also made a commitment to perform in Tokyo for other survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse.

It goes without saying that Biles was under an immense amount of pressure.

“Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement early on Tuesday morning. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles said she plans to return to competition Thursday, according to People.

Later in the morning the U.S. placed second in the team competition and Biles told TODAY, that “Physically, I feel good,” but also said, “Emotionally it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat.”

This confirmed that Biles didn’t withdraw due to a physical injury, but rather for mental health. She was seen leaving the floor with her her bag and a trainer after her first rotation on vault, according to MassLive. Jordan Chiles filled in for Biles who was cheering her teammates on.

As she left the stadium, Biles reportedly said she was “dealing with some things internally.”

When she told her teammates she was was withdrawing, “They were freaking out. They were like, crying, and I was like, ‘You guys need to relax, you’re going to be fine without me, go out there and kick some butt, just like we’ve done in training. And just lay it out on the floor and see what happens,’” Biles reportedly told TODAY.

“For me, I’m proud for how the girls stepped up and did what they had to do. I owe this to the girls, it has nothing to do with me,” she reportedly said. “I am very proud of them.”

The athletes in Tokyo are without regular fans and without their families, which competitors said impacts their mindset.

On Monday, Biles spoke about the pressure she was under on Instagram writing, “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! BUT I’m happy my family was able to be with me virtually🤍 they mean the world to me!”

Needham native and two-time Olympian Aly Raisman said she’s concerned for Simone Biles’ mental health.

“I’m just thinking about the mental impact this has to have on Simone. It’s just so much pressure,” Raisman told TODAY. “It’s just devastating. I feel horrible.”

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