Simone Biles withdraws from women’s team gymnastics at Tokyo Olympics as ROC wins gold
CNNAriake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo CNN — Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s team gymnastics final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Tuesday, citing mental heath concerns as she attempts to protect “her body and mind.” After the final – won by the the Russia Olympic Committee – Biles broke down in tears as she explained her decision. Following Biles’ withdrawal, the went on to win gold, while Team USA took silver and Great Britain bronze “The impossible is possible” is how gymnast Angelina Melnikova described the ROC’s victory, but it was Biles’ psychological well-being that dominated the final’s aftermath. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images ‘Long Olympic journey’ The ROC’s team of Vladislava Urazova, Viktoriia Listunova and Melnikova won with a score of 169.528, while Team USA took silver with 166.096 and Great Britain bronze – its first medal in the women’s team gymnastics since 1928 – with 164.096. Soon after Biles’ withdrawal, USA Gymnastics released a statement saying: “Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.