The American withdrew after just one event during the team event on Tuesday.
Simone Biles has spoken out about why she withdrew from the team gymnastic final, saying that she is “okay” and “dealing with things internally.”
The 24-year-old is one of the biggest stars of the games but pulled out after completing her vault performance whilst competing for the US team.
Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, failed to stick the landing on the vault, of which she is usually a master. She posted the worst score of all six competitors, coming in at 13.766.
It was initial reported that Biles explained to her teammates that she was out of the competition, hugging them and wishing them the best for the night. American commentator Hoda Kotb told NBC:
‘Simone explained to her team-mates that she was out of the competition. My heart broke for her. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now.’
Biles later told the BBC: “Yes, I’m okay. Just dealing with things internally that will get fixed out within the next couple of days. But super proud of how they stepped up to the plate tonight and worked.”
When asked if she would be returning for the individual events on Thursday, she replied: “Yes, thank you.”
The team gymnastics final was eventually won by the Russian Olympic Committee, with Team USA settling for silver.
