Simone Biles: "I'm more than my accomplishments and gymnastics"
The six-time Olympic medallist took to Twitter to respond to the outpouring of support she's received since withdrawing from team, all-around finals
Artistic Gymnastics
In the two days since six-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles withdrew from the women's team final after just one event, the superstar gymnast has received support from millions around the globe.
Thursday morning (29 July), Biles took to Twitter saying the messages have shown her that her impact goes far beyond the glittering gymnastics performances she has put on for nearly a decade at the top of her sport.
"The outpouring [of] love & support I've received has made me realize I'm more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which, I never truly believed before," the post read.
Support for Biles has come from the likes former First Lady Michelle Obama, who tweeted, "Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you," and 2018 Olympic team bronze medallist Adam Rippon, who said, in part, "I can't imagine the pressure Simone has been feeling. Sending her SO much love. It easy to forget she's still human."
Wednesday, USA Gymnastics announced that she would not participate in the women's all-around final.
"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health," a statement from the governing body read. "Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals."
Biles has qualified to all four of the apparatus finals at Tokyo 2020, schedule for 1-3 August.