Simone Biles Speaks on Withdrawal From Olympics, Says Being Head Star ‘Isn’t an Easy Feat’

© Amin Mohammad Jamali/Getty Images U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s gymnastics team competition due to her mental health. Above, Biles calls to a teammate on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

U.S. gymnastics star Simone Biles withdrew from the team competition Tuesday at the Tokyo Olympic Games because of a mental health issue.

Biles, 24, spoke out about her decision to withdraw from the event following the announcement that she left due to “a medical issue.”

“Physically, I feel good, I’m in shape,” Biles told TODAY. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being the head star isn’t an easy feat, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time and we’ll see.”

After Biles adjusted her vault midair, she walked off with team doctor Marcia Faustin and then left the arena. The vault she intended to perform was an Amanar, which includes a roundoff back handspring on the table and two and a half twists in the air. Biles only completed one and a half twists, according to ESPN.

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It is unclear whether Biles will compete in the individual women’s gymnastics event on Thursday where she is the defending champion.

“We’re gonna take it day by day, and we’re just gonna see,” Biles said.

This is a breaking story and will be updated when more information is available.

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