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TOKYO – Simone Biles will not be defending her all-around gold medal, USA Gymnastics confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The 24-year-old superstar retired from individual competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on his mental health, his team said.
“Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not she will compete in the individual finals next week,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement.
“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and salute her bravery by prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, once again, why she is a role model for so many people. “
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Jade Carey, who had the ninth best score in qualifying, will now take Biles’ place in the all-around.
A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Biles shocked the Olympic world on Tuesday when she suddenly pulled out of the United States team gymnastics finals.
Biles said the emotional toll from the Tokyo Games, not a physical injury, prompted his exit.
“Physically, I feel good,” she told Hoda Kotb on NBC’s “TODAY” after her withdrawal. “Emotionally, that sort of thing varies from time to time and when. Coming here to the Olympics and being the star of the Olympics is no easy feat. So we try to take it one day at a time, and we ‘ I will see.”
Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, who has been outspoken about his own struggles with depression, said Wednesday he knows how Biles feels.
“We carry a lot of stuff, a lot of weight on our shoulders,” Phelps said in an interview with NBC sports presenter Mike Tirico. “And it’s a challenge, especially when we have the lights on us and all these expectations placed on us.”
This is a developing story – check back here for updates.
Phil helsel contributed.
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